The DOJ said Larry Montes has been charged with two counts of committing hate crimes in connection with his race- and religious-based assaults of a congregant and a security guard during last week's Shabbat service.
A 63-year-old congregant at one of New York City's most prominent synagogues posted photos of her bloodied face and a defiant message hours after a man allegedly attacked her during Friday night prayers, and Israel's consul general laid blame squarely on Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Michele Anenberg-Poma, a former Disney creative marketing executive, was struck during […] The post Victim of Manhattan synagogue attack responds defiantly after assailant screams antisemitic slurs during Shabbat service appeared first on American Almanac .
A 63-year-old congregant at one of New York City's most prominent synagogues posted photos of her bloodied face and a defiant message hours after a man allegedly attacked her during Friday night prayers, and Israel's consul general laid blame squarely on Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Michele Anenberg-Poma, a former Disney creative marketing executive, was struck during Shabbat services at Central Synagogue on Manhattan's Upper East Side after a 46-year-old Bronx man allegedly stormed toward the front of the sanctuary, shouted "F, k the Jews," called worshippers "swine," and broke two religious candles valued at $20,000. Larry Montes also allegedly headbutted and spat on a 65-year-old security guard before being taken into custody by an NYPD…Open
AI:A 63-year-old congregant, Michele Anenberg-Poma, was violently assaulted during Shabbat services at Manhattan's Central Synagogue by Larry Montes, a man with a lengthy criminal history of violence and theft. During the attack, Montes allegedly shouted antisemitic slurs, including "F*** the Jews," destroyed $20,000 worth of religious candles, and headbutted a security guard. Despite the gravity of these hate crimes, a judge set Montes's bail at only $10,000, significantly lower than what prosecutors requested. Amidst rising antisemitism in New York City, Israel's consul general has blamed Mayor Zohran Mamdani for creating a climate that emboldens such attackers through his rhetoric. Even as the attack unfolded, progressive associates…Open
Larry Montes, 46, faces assault and hate crime charges after striking a congregation member and a security guard at Central Synagogue in Manhattan, the police said.
AI:Larry Montes, 46, has been charged with assault and hate crimes following a violent disruption at Central Synagogue in Manhattan. During the incident, Montes physically struck both a member of the congregation and a security guard while they were engaged in worship. This latest targeted attack on a sacred Jewish space follows a disturbing pattern of recent hostilities against religious institutions in New York City.Open