In a disturbing incident, a Jewish temple in Albany, New York was targeted in an anti-Semitic attack, highlighting the growing concerns of rising anti-Semitism in the United States. The incident occurred when a 28-year-old man fired shotgun blasts outside Temple Israel, while shouting “Free Palestine.” Thankfully, no one was injured, and the school located in the temple was immediately placed on lockdown.
Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins revealed that the suspect dropped the shotgun before being detained by officers who arrived at the scene. Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her relief that all the children, including preschoolers, were safely evacuated from the temple. She emphasized that such acts of violence not only target a building but also attack the very fabric of society, including freedom of faith and collective safety.
Thursday’s incident is not the first attack on Temple Israel, with the synagogue having been targeted with bomb threats in September. Governor Hochul has directed the state police and National Guard to increase patrols of at-risk sites during the holiday season to prevent further incidents. Rabbi Wendy Love Anderson expressed her gratitude to the staff who ensured the safety of those inside the building, emphasizing the need for light in darkness.
Law enforcement agencies, including federal and state authorities, are currently leading the investigation to determine any potential motives behind the attack. The FBI Albany office released a statement affirming their commitment to working with law enforcement partners to uncover the facts. Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan condemned the incident, describing it as a symptom of the widespread anti-Semitism that is spreading throughout the country.
This attack comes at a time when concerns about anti-Semitism are on the rise, both in the United States and around the world, following Israel’s war with Hamas. The incident, which occurred just hours before the start of Hanukkah, underscores the urgent need for action against anti-Semitism and the protection of religious institutions.
The rising anti-Jewish prejudice has become a concerning issue, prompting the launch of the “Antisemitism Exposed” newsletter. This platform aims to shed light on the increasing anti-Semitic sentiments and incidents occurring across the United States and worldwide.
