During the evening of Hanukkah, a distressing incident unfolded at Temple Israel, a Conservative synagogue located in Albany, New York. The premises of the synagogue were disrupted when a 28-year-old man, identified as Mufid Fawaz Alkhader, discharged a shotgun. Although no injuries were reported, this incident has instigated a comprehensive hate crime investigation conducted by local and federal authorities.

Shots Fired and Immediate Aftermath

According to Eric Hawkins, the police chief of Albany, two shots were fired from a shotgun at approximately 2 p.m. near Temple Israel. The motive behind the shots remains unclear, as it is yet to be determined whether they were specifically aimed at the synagogue or randomly fired into the air. Immediately after the incident, the suspect, Alkhader, was swiftly apprehended. Witnesses reported that during his arrest, Alkhader exclaimed, “Free Palestine”. Due to the nature of this incident, it is being treated as a hate crime.

Synagogue’s History of Threats

In a deeply unsettling revelation, it has come to light that Temple Israel, which also houses an early childhood center, has previously been targeted with a bomb threat in September. The recurrence of threatening incidents targeting this Jewish institution has raised significant concerns regarding the safety and security of its members as well as the broader Jewish community in Albany.

State Response and Ongoing Investigation

Responding swiftly to the shooting, Governor Kathy Hochul of New York issued a directive to the State Police, urging them to maintain high alert throughout the duration of Hanukkah. Governor Hochul vehemently condemned the act of antisemitism and emphasized the absolute priority of ensuring the safety of Jewish New Yorkers. In her statement, she reassured the community that the state would allocate all necessary resources to safeguard vulnerable locations such as synagogues, yeshivas, and community centers. The ongoing investigations are currently being led by local and state police in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

This distressing incident adds to the recent surge of antisemitic acts that have been witnessed across the United States. It underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts in combatting hate crimes and ensuring the safety and well-being of Jewish communities nationwide.