TEANECK, N.J., Oct. 5 – Rabbi Avraham Wein, assistant rabbi at Congregation Keter Torah in Teaneck, New Jersey, was hospitalized on Saturday after being attacked while constructing a sukkah in front of his home, local authorities said.
According to police, a man exited a vehicle and struck Wein. Two bystanders intervened, restraining the suspect until officers arrived. The rabbi was taken to a hospital and is reported to be in stable condition. The assailant is in custody, and authorities said the incident appears to be isolated.
Wein previously served as a rabbinic assistant at Congregation Beth Sholom in Lawrence, New York, and is a member of the Judaic Studies faculty at Torah Academy of Bergen County. A native of Queens, New York, he studied at Yeshivat Har Etzion and later served as a madrikh for Har Etzion alumni at Yeshiva University.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the attack.
UPDATE: In a message sent out to the Teaneck community the senior Rabbi at Keter Torah conveyed: “Rabbi Baum just shared this message with the Keter Torah Community. Let’s do all we can to respect these instructions.
“As many of you have heard Rabbi Wein was assaulted earlier today. He is extremely appreciative of your concern. He was never hospitalized and was not building his Sukka. No motive has been established and there is an ongoing investigation. The perpetrator is in custody. For legal and privacy reasons there is no more information to be shared at this time and while we know that everyone has the best intentions, it is best not to spread social media postings about this event. We look forward to seeing Rabbi Wein in shul.”
A statement from the Bergenfield (Teaneck) police read: “At approximately 2:00 PM today, a faith leader was assaulted in Bergenfield. Thanks to the quick response from residents in the area and the Bergenfield Police Department, the assailant was stopped and taken into custody. The matter is being investigated so please allow the police time to do their job. At this time, we believe this to be a random, isolated incident.
We extend our concern and support to those affected and stand in solidarity with our local faith community. We remain committed to ensuring the safety, unity, and well-being of all residents. There is no further threat to the public and we will continue to keep the public informed as the investigation progresses.
Borough of Bergenfield
Chief Mustafa Rabboh“
One Response
ID the assailant please. This is unacceptable.