The attacker of a New Jersey rabbi was charged with assault, but according to a Monday press briefing by Bergenfield Police Chief Mustafa Rabboh, the crime was not motivated by antisemitism.
Rabboh explained that an investigation had come to the conclusion that the Sunday attack on Rabbi Avraham Wein outside his Bergenfield home was not a hate crime.
“This was a random act of violence," said Rabboh. "No words were exchanged prior to the assault, and there is no indication that this attack was motivated by race, religion, or ethnicity. It was simply an act of unprovoked violence, and the suspect will be charged as such.”
The police chief also noted that the attacker, Ridgefield Park resident Jeffery Zicchinella, had not known Wein before the incident.
The 40-year-old suspect faced two counts of simple assault for stopping his vehicle outside Wein's home and attacking the rabbi and a resident who had intervened. Both residents suffered minor injuries, according to a police Facebook post, contrary to reports that circulated on social media that Wein had been hospitalized. Reports that the rabbi had been building his Sukkah at the time were also disputed by his synagogue, Congregation Keter Torah.
Rabboh said that increased patrols would continue so that residents would feel safe in their community.
Violence would not be tolerated
Bergenfield Mayor Arvin Amatorio said on Facebook that the Borough is a welcoming place and any violence would not be tolerated.
"What occurred was unacceptable, but the actions of the residents and the swift response of our police department demonstrate the strength and unity of our town," said Amatorio. "We are a community of neighbors helping neighbors, and that spirit remains strong.”