The Nassau County Police Department charged two people with damaging a “We Stand With Israel” sign in front of the Shelter Rock Jewish Center in Searingtown on Oct. 14.
The incident was the second time in two months the sign was damaged.
Rabiah Rafiq, 18, of Albertson, drove a 14-year-old male juvenile to the Shelter Rock Jewish Center. While they were there, the juvenile damaged the sign, according to Nassau County police.
The juvenile is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief as an E-Felony/Bias Crime. He was released on an appearance ticket returnable on Oct. 28 at Nassau County Family Court in Westbury.
County police said Rafiq and the juvenile left the center in a gray Porsche. After investigating the incident, the police placed them both under arrest.
“As antisemitism soars to new and frightening levels around the world, it is more essential than ever to combat this pernicious scourge wherever and whenever it surfaces,” Nassau County Legislator Arnold Drucker (D – Plainview) said in a press release. “The Nassau County Police Department’s tireless efforts continue to bring us comfort and security at this fraught time, and I am grateful that their vigilance and professionalism empowers Nassau residents of all faiths to live, work and worship freely and safely.”
More than 150 people attended a community gathering last month to support the center. Saddle Rock Jewish Center rabbi Claudio Kupchik said the community support displayed a message of unity, harmony and solidarity.
“I am deeply troubled by the recent act of vandalism at the Shelter Rock Jewish Center in Searingtown,” Town of North Hempstead Council Member Ed Scott said on Facebook, following the community rally. “The banner reading “We Stand With Israel” and “Bring Them Home Now” was defaced with red paint in a despicable act of hate. This cowardly incident, which occurred between Aug. 30 and Sept. 1, is not only an attack on our Jewish community but an affront to the values we hold dear in North Hempstead. We stand united against all forms of bigotry and intolerance.”
