NEW YORK (VINnews) — A woman injured during Friday night’s attack at Manhattan’s Central Synagogue said she would not allow the assault to silence her or diminish the Jewish community’s commitment to prayer and peace.
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Michele Anenberg-Poma, 63, shared a photo showing injuries to her face and arm following the confrontation. In a message posted Saturday, she said the attack would not stop the synagogue community from continuing its prayers and standing together.
Police say Larry Montes, 46, of the Bronx, disrupted the Shabbat service and allegedly assaulted Anenberg-Poma and a 65-year-old security guard who intervened. Authorities said Montes shouted an antisemitic slur during the incident.
Montes was charged with two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime. He was ordered held on $10,000 bail following his arraignment.
According to police, Montes allegedly struck the congregant, damaged religious property and later spat at and headbutted the security guard.
Anenberg-Poma said she would continue supporting Central Synagogue and its message of peace, love and joy despite the attack.
The incident has drawn renewed attention to security concerns at houses of worship in New York as Jewish communities continue to face antisemitic incidents.
BLESS HER COURAGE, SPEEDY RECOVERY. rabbi
Not to condone any violence,
but this so called synagogue are the ones extinguishing the light…
Lowlife shtik Puerto Rican chalera drek. That being said, this victim and most of her congregation votes for the party who’s policies allow for and encourage all these violent crimes. SAME WITH THEIR PULPIT RABBI. Hard to feel sympathetic for this victim. The phrase “you got what you deserved” comes in to play.