A New Jersey rabbi was assaulted on Sunday, according to the Bergenfield Police Department and Borough of Bergenfield, but locals intervened to stop an attacker suspected of coming out of town.
Rabbi Avraham Wein's assailant was taken into custody, which the police attributed to quick action from residents and their own forces.
A motive has not yet been established, the rabbi's synagogue emphasized in a community email, and the investigation is ongoing.
Police said on Facebook that they believed the attack to be a "random, isolated incident," and the Borough shared that an initial investigation indicated that the attacker was not a Bergenfield resident.
According to the Borough, police presence has been increased and additional security measures have been implemented.
While reports circulated that Rabbi Avraham Wein had been building a sukkah or had been hospitalized, the Congregation Keter Torah clarified that neither was the case. Wein's Teaneck synagogue further explained that more information could not yet be shared for legal and privacy issues.
"While we know that everyone has the best intentions, it is best not to spread social media postings about this event," read an email from the congregation.
'Disgraceful act of violence'
The Borough condemned the incident on Facebook as a "disgraceful act of violence that has no place in our town and will not be tolerated."
"Let us be clear: any act that threatens the safety of our residents will be met with the full force of law," said the Borough. "We will do everything necessary to protect this community and uphold the values of safety, civility, and respect that define our community in Bergenfield."