Hero Neighbors Subdue Assailant
Disgraceful: Rabbi Attacked While Building Sukkah
A Teaneck rabbi was violently attacked outside his Bergenfield home while preparing for the Sukkot holiday, but was saved when two residents subdued the assailant before police arrived.
A rabbi from Teaneck was assaulted Sunday afternoon in Bergenfield, New Jersey, while he was building a sukkah, the temporary structure used to celebrate the upcoming Jewish holiday of Sukkot. The victim was identified as Rabbi Avraham Wein, an assistant rabbi at Congregation Keter Torah in neighboring Teaneck.
The assault reportedly occurred around 2:00 PM when a man jumped out of his car and began beating the Rabbi outside his home. The attack was quickly halted thanks to the heroic actions of two bystanders who intervened and held the assailant down until police could respond to the scene.
Initial social media reports that Rabbi Wein had been hospitalized were quickly refuted by the Chief of Bergenfield EMS, who stated that the claims were "Not true at all." The EMS Chief confirmed he personally drove the Rabbi home after he gave a statement to the Police Department, confirming that Rabbi Wein is in good condition following the assault.
Suspect in Custody, Identified as Out-of-Town Individual
The suspect was taken into custody immediately following the intervention. Law enforcement officials believe the individual to be an emotionally disturbed person who came from out of town.
Bergenfield Police Chief Mustafa Rabboh confirmed the timeline and praised the civilian response. "Thanks to the quick response from residents in the area and the Bergenfield Police Department, the assailant was stopped and taken into custody," Chief Rabboh stated. He added that the matter is under investigation and is currently believed to be a "random, isolated incident" with "no further threat" to the public.
Local officials issued a swift and forceful condemnation of the violence. The Borough of Bergenfield, in an official statement, called the incident a "disgraceful act of violence that has no place in our town and will not be tolerated." The borough’s leadership, including Mayor Arvin Amatorio and the full council, expressed their outrage and vowed decisive action.
Stepped-Up Security and Call for Justice
The borough confirmed that the investigation is now being conducted in coordination with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office to ensure the suspect is "prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law." The statement underscored the community's resolve: "Any act that threatens the safety of our residents will be met with the full force of law. Bergenfield stands united. We will not be intimidated. We will not rest until justice is served."
In response to the attack, authorities have immediately increased police presence throughout the area and implemented all necessary security measures.
Chief Rabboh concluded his remarks by extending solidarity: "We extend our concern and support to those affected and stand in solidarity with our local faith community. We remain committed to ensuring the safety, unity, and well-being of all residents."
Rabbi Baum provided this update:
As many of you have heard, Rabbi Wein was assaulted earlier today. He is extremely appreciative of your concern. He was never hospitalized and was not building his Sukkah [contrary to what was reported earlier]. No motive has been established and there is an ongoing investigation. The perpetrator is in custody. For legal and privacy reasons, there is no more information to be shared at this time, and while we know that everyone has the best intentions, it is best not to spread social media postings about this event. We look forward to seeing Rabbi Wein in shul.