In a deeply disturbing incident in Brooklyn, a man attempted to run down Orthodox Jewish students and a rabbi outside the Mesivta Nachlas Yakov School in Canarsie. Identified as 58-year-old Asghar Ali, a Pakistani immigrant and livery cab driver with a reported history of mental illness, he allegedly shouted threats including, “I’m gonna kill all the Jews,” during the assault. Thankfully, no injuries were reported as the intended victims managed to escape harm by taking refuge inside the building.
The NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force has taken up the investigation, with Ali facing multiple charges including attempted murder and hate crimes. This attack has prompted a heightened police presence and community vigilance, underscored by the swift response from the Flatbush Shomrim Safety Patrol, which played a crucial role in locating Ali shortly after the incident.
This act of hate has understandably shaken the community, igniting concerns about the broader climate of anti-Semitic sentiment. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and unity in combating hate and ensuring the safety of all community members.
10 Interesting Facts About Shomrim Safety Patrol:
- The Shomrim Safety Patrol is a volunteer neighborhood watch group primarily made up of Orthodox Jewish members.
- Shomrim operates in several major cities around the world, including London, New York, and Jerusalem.
- The group is often the first point of contact within the community for incidents ranging from lost children to serious crimes.
- Members of Shomrim receive training from local law enforcement in basic crime prevention and reporting skills.
- Shomrim volunteers use their own vehicles, which are typically equipped with radios and emergency lights, similar to police vehicles.
- The organization was first established in the 1970s in Brooklyn, New York, to help combat rising crime rates in Jewish neighborhoods.
- Shomrim often coordinates with local police departments and can act faster than police in certain situations due to their proximity and presence within the community.
- The name “Shomrim” translates to “guards” or “protectors” in Hebrew.
- Volunteers are required to pass background checks and are trained to observe and report rather than confront suspects.
- Shomrim has been instrumental in finding numerous missing persons and preventing crimes through rapid response and close community ties.
It’s heartbreaking to read about such a hateful act. We need more awareness and stronger actions to combat antisemitism. Thanks for shedding light on this serious issue.