An antisemitic incident unfolded Thursday evening outside Chesky’s Pizza in this Sullivan County village, where a man armed with a crowbar launched into a hateful rant targeting Jews.
According to witnesses, the suspect shouted phrases including “Heil Hitler,” “the Third Reich will rise,” and claims that Jews are “taking over the country.” The man reportedly brandished a crowbar during the outburst before fleeing the scene.
Local authorities were called to the restaurant, a popular spot in the Catskill area’s Orthodox and Hasidic Jewish community, but the suspect had already left by the time police arrived. No injuries were reported.
The incident comes amid heightened concerns over rising antisemitism in the United States. Woodridge and surrounding communities in the Catskills have significant Jewish populations, including many year-round residents and summer visitors.
Police have not yet released a description of the suspect or made any arrests. Investigators are reviewing available surveillance footage from the area and interviewing witnesses.
Jewish community leaders condemned the event as a clear hate crime.
“This type of Nazi rhetoric and open threats have no place in our society,” said one local resident who asked not to be named. “People are scared when someone shows up waving a crowbar screaming about Hitler.”
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the New York State Police or Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office.
This is a developing story.
