Armed Intruder Targets Rabbi’s Home During Rosh Hashanah Dinner with University of Michigan Students

SOUTHFIELD, MI – A masked intruder broke into the Southfield home of a rabbi affiliated with the University of Michigan on Wednesday night, disrupting a holiday gathering attended by approximately 20 students, as reported by Southfield police and university representatives.

The intruder, though armed, did not discharge the weapon. Police noted that no one was injured.

“The individual brandished a handgun and demanded, ‘I’m taking everything, give me everything,’” stated the Southfield Police Department’s news release.

Police are identifying suspects, with one already in custody, and believe the incident was likely an opportunistic crime, though their investigation is ongoing.

This incident coincided with the start of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, marking a significant time in the Jewish calendar. It also followed recent reports of attacks targeting Jewish students near the University of Michigan’s Ann Arbor campus.

Dan Kaplan, the father of a sophomore at the university’s business school who was at the dinner, shared his son’s account of the ordeal. His son recounted seeing a masked man with a gun enter, followed by the rabbi’s wife shouting. While most people fled through the front door, Kaplan’s son was initially startled and didn’t react right away.

“When the gun was pointed at him, he ran,” Kaplan explained. He added that two of his son’s friends hid behind a couch and were visibly shaken.

Kaplan emphasized that his son didn’t perceive the intrusion as targeted for religious reasons.

“My son felt that it was a typical burglary or home invasion, not connected to antisemitism,” Kaplan said.

His son is recovering, though the experience has caused concern for both him and the wider Jewish community.

University President Santa Ono issued a statement underscoring the institution’s dedication to student safety.

“Late last night, a group of Jewish students was gathered for a dinner at the Southfield residence of a local rabbi when, just before 11 p.m., an armed individual entered through an unlocked back door, took a bag, and left,” the statement read.

Ono encouraged anyone with relevant information to assist Southfield police.

These incidents occurred amid heightened tensions on campus, where protests related to ongoing conflicts in Gaza have been ongoing. Further demonstrations are anticipated next Monday on the anniversary of the tragic events in Israel.