A rabbi has been assaulted outside his home in New Jersey just hours before the start of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, authorities said.
The incident on October 5th is under investigation as a violent crime and a potential antisemitic attack, with the local mayor denouncing it as “a disgraceful act of violence.”
According to the police, the suspect, Jeffrey Zicchinella, 40, from Ridgefield Park, was driving in the Sussex Road area around 2 p.m. when he reportedly stopped his car, exited, and assaulted Rabbi Avraham Wein.
Rabbi Avraham Wein was assaulted before Sukkot as authorities investigate whether the attack was religiously motivated. (Rabbi Wein)
Mayor Arvin Amatorio condemned the assault in a public statement:
“This was a shameful act that has no place in Bergenfield. I strongly condemn this attack and want to make it clear that violence against anyone in our town will not be tolerated,” the mayor stated on Facebook.
Officials say the investigation is ongoing, with Bergenfield police working closely with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office to assess whether 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.
“We are thankful he is safe and deeply appreciative of the concern and support shown by our TABC community,” they added.
Fox News Digital also reached out to Bergenfield Police Department for comment.
