On Thursday, on Tisha B’Av, violence came frighteningly close to home to Congregation Rodeph Sholom, the synagogue I lead on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

One person was stabbed a city block away, near 84th Street and Central Park West, followed shortly afterward by a second stabbing outside the Jewish Center on 86th Street. One of the victims was wearing a kippah. Witnesses, including members of our security staff, heard the assailant shout “Allahu Akbar.” Both victims are reported to be in stable condition, and we pray for their complete healing of body and spirit.

Police apprehended the alleged perpetrator shortly after the attacks. Commissioner Jessica Tisch has said the attacks are being investigated as possible antisemitic hate crimes. I am grateful to her, the NYPD officers who responded so quickly, and the local precinct officers who communicated closely with our security team and are increasing patrols around houses of worship.

Our entire security team responded immediately, supported the police investigation, and secured our buildings and summer camp. Their vigilance, judgment and care were extraordinary, and we are grateful for them and the safety they bring to our community every day.

While the full motive for these attacks remains under investigation, the wider climate in which they........

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