From NYC to Jerusalem: What two synagogue attacks reveal about hatred of Judaism

(RNS) — Most of the time, when a Jewish congregation rises to greet someone at a Shabbat service, they are welcoming the mystical presence of the Shabbat bride.

That is the way it should be.

But — and it may shock you to read this — not everyone is welcome in a synagogue. Like, for example, Larry Montes, 46, of the Bronx, who was charged with a hate crime for assaulting two people at a Reform temple in New York City on Friday evening (Aug. 14).

According to law enforcement, witnesses and video from a livestream, he entered Central Synagogue, forced his way past the security team and screamed as services were getting underway. When security began escorting him out, he struck a 63-year-old congregant, damaged the sanctuary and spat at and headbutted a member of the security detail. He now faces a slew of charges , including four counts of assault as a hate crime.

I hope that the charges stick, because they are accurate.

I think of the famous bank robber, Willie Sutton, and the story in which someone asked him: “Why do you rob banks?” His response: “Because that’s where the money is.”

Why does someone attack a synagogue?

Because that’s where the Jews are.

But, more…