Overview
- Two Orthodox synagogues in Queens had their entrances smeared with a mixture of motor oil and feces that worshippers found after services.
- Grainy surveillance footage and photos have been shared with police and media, with one clip appearing to show a person running and throwing the mixture at the Jamaica Estates synagogue.
- The NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force is leading the investigation and the department says no arrests have been made so far.
- Community safety group Queens Shmira and synagogue leaders noted a similar incident about a month earlier when a bag of excrement was found near the Jamaica Estates site, raising concern about a pattern.
- Leaders say the attacks were meant to demean worshippers and have increased fear in local congregations while investigators work to identify the suspect.