Chabad of Mineola Target of Hate Crime

MINEOLA, NY [CHI] — Hate-crime grabs government and police attention in the civic county of Mineola, NY after a 3-foot swastika was discovered this morning painted across the front doors of the local Chabad House.

Early this morning, synagogue caretakers called the Shul rabbi, Rabbi Anchelle Perl, co-director of Chabad of Mineola, N.Y., to inform him that there was fresh graffiti on the front doors of the Chabad House.

“I raced over [to the synagogue], and when I saw the painting on the doors, I realized that it was a swastika and not just graffiti,” said Perl. “This was a bias-crime.”

Perl immediately called 911. Nassau County squad cars were dispatched to the synagogue on Willis Avenue, which serves many members of local government and medical institutions. Police quickly determined that it was a hate-crime and turned the investigation over to detectives in the “anti-bias” unit.

The 3rd precinct commander, head of the local police department, came by to personally supervise the investigation.

The crime-scene unit combed the area for evidence, scraping paint from the doors, sweeping for fingerprints, and taking photographs. While the investigation was in progress, word began to spread.

Commissioner Mulvey was on his lunch-break jog through the neighborhood when he heard the news. The longtime friend of Perl’s jogged over to the synagogue in order to show his support. Albany State Senator Craig Johnson also called the rabbi to see what he could do to help.

“It is amazing that high commanders have shown their support, letting us know that the incident is being taken seriously,” said Perl. “It is very heartwarming.”

The Community Responds

According to members of the community, including many judges, attorneys, and commissioners who pray regularly at the synagogue, the sight is a disturbing one. The community plans on combating the misdeed by standing strong with one another.

Coming on the eve of July 4th, a celebration of America’s independence, “this felony is in fact a tragedy, for it shows that there are people who will show hatred and desecration in a country that stands for freedom and respect,” Perl said.

“We will instead focus on the importance of democracy and respect for which America is so well-known,” he continued. “Especially on the heels of America being under so much pressure from around the world, this event could be a catalyst to inspire one another for a greater respect.”

Should the felons be juvenile, “I will insist that they sit in this synagogue and see how we conduct our services with love and appreciation for the society we live in and for the freedom we have in order to observe mitzvos,” said Perl.

“Although an act of cruelty against a Shul is an act of cruelty against all human beings, we don’t see this as an increase of negativity in the world, because those who do evil will eventually be transformed. We look forward to a world of redemption and goodness for all mankind.

“We will respond with acts of goodness and kindness.”