Paul Leighton - Salem News

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — The three teenagers accused of hate crimes against a local synagogue will perform community service under an agreement reached in juvenile court, according to Rabbi Yossi Lipsker.

The teens, all 14-year-olds, were accused of scrawling graffiti on the walls of the Chabad Lubavitch synagogue on Burrill Street and later setting the synagogue's van on fire. The incidents occurred in October 2005 just before and after Rosh Hashana, the Jewish new year. (As reported here).

Teens Accused of Vandalizing Chabad House Agree to Community Service

Paul Leighton – Salem News

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — The three teenagers accused of hate crimes against a local synagogue will perform community service under an agreement reached in juvenile court, according to Rabbi Yossi Lipsker.

The teens, all 14-year-olds, were accused of scrawling graffiti on the walls of the Chabad Lubavitch synagogue on Burrill Street and later setting the synagogue’s van on fire. The incidents occurred in October 2005 just before and after Rosh Hashana, the Jewish new year. (As reported here).

Lipsker said the teens will perform community service as part of an agreement reached in court. He said he could not provide more specifics.

“We hope that a strong message has been sent that these kinds of acts will not be tolerated under any circumstances in our community,” Lipsker said.

Stephen O’Connell, a spokesman for District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett, confirmed that the case has been resolved but said he could not comment further.

“Due to the fact that it’s a juvenile case, I can’t go into detail, but suffice it to say, we take these matters very seriously,” O’Connell said.

The teens were charged with causing property damage with the intent to intimidate a person because of his religion. Two of the teens were charged with burning a motor vehicle.

Swampscott Selectman Reid Cassidy said at the time that the youths were from Lynn, but police would not confirm that.

2 Comments

  • Beth

    October 2005? And it’s just getting settled NOW? And just some measley community service. What a joke.

  • Should-ve been harsher

    serves them right next time they’ll think twice bafore messing with Chabad!