New Jersey Rabbi Injured in Suspected Hate Crime Before Sukkot Holiday

A rabbi was assaulted outside his home in Bergenfield, New Jersey, hours before the start of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, authorities confirmed. The incident, which occurred on October 5th, is being investigated as both a violent crime and a suspected antisemitic attack. The suspect, Jeffrey Zicchinella, 40, of Ridgefield Park, reportedly stopped his vehicle and attacked Rabbi Avraham Wein. A neighbor intervened, helping to restrain the suspect until police arrived. Zicchinella was taken into custody and charged with two counts of simple assault.

Local officials, including the mayor and police chief, have condemned the act, noting the increased security patrols around synagogues and residential areas. ‘We take all reports of bias-motivated or hate-related incidents seriously and remain dedicated to ensuring that everyone in our borough feels safe and respected,’ said a police statement. The mayor, Arvin Amatorio, called the assault ‘a shameful act that has no place in Bergenfield.’ He emphasized that the town would not tolerate violence against anyone under any circumstances.

Authorities have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with Bergenfield police coordinating closely with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office to determine if the assault was motivated by bias. ‘For legal and privacy reasons, there is no more information to be shared at this time,’ a spokesperson for Rabbi Wein’s synagogue said. The rabbi, who is an assistant at Congregation Keter Torah in Teaneck, is reported to be safe, and the synagogue expressed gratitude for the community’s support and concern.

Following the attack, the Bergenfield Police Department has implemented additional patrols around synagogues and residential neighborhoods ‘out of an abundance of caution.’ Police Chief Mustafa Rabboh noted that preliminary findings suggest the incident appears to be isolated. The case also highlights the broader context of rising antisemitism in the United States, with recent incidents prompting increased scrutiny and calls for stronger measures to combat hate crimes against Jewish communities.