Local Jewish community responds to anti-Semitic attacks
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Another attack on the Jewish community has people searching for answers. The latest incident happened in New York over the weekend, one of at least ten anti-Semitic attacks in that state in recent weeks. A rabbi, attacked in his own home while celebrating Hanukkah with friends and family.
37-year-old Grafton Thomas has been arrested in connection to the attack on Saturday, accused of going into a rabbi’s home on Saturday and attacking five people with a machete in a crime that’s been labeled an act of domestic terror. Prosecutors say Thomas fled the stabbing scene but was later caught in Harlem with his clothing covered in blood. One of the victims from the weekend stabbing remains in critical condition.
This happened in the town of Mosey, 35 miles north of New York City. Mosey has a large community of Orthodox Jews, and has been the center of conflict lately, with another Jewish man viciously attacked there on his way to morning prayers just last month.
Rabbi Moshe Lieblich who leads the Chabbad of Wilmington says the growing number of anti-Semitic attacks is hard to ignore.
“It’s always on my mind whenever we get together, first of all for myself and my family, and secondly everyone that comes here so we’re always conscious of it. At the same time, we still have to be welcoming for people to come, so we don’t want to overdo it. So we try to find that balance of being responsible while at the same time having an open and welcome environment,” Lieblech said.
Last week, during the menorah lighting in Downtown Wilmington, Lieblich asked Wilmington Police to send an officer to oversee the ceremony just to be safe. He said other synagogues in the area have also stepped up security.
He believes that as long as security procedures are followed, the community should continue living their lives without becoming too fearful.
“Generally speaking, people should just try to put their head down and move on and like I said, be aware but at the same time try to look at life normally. Don’t let it become too overpowering,” Lieblech said.
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