The synagogue will be closed pending a structural safety review.
By Vered Weiss, World Israel News
On Tuesday, twelve members of the Chabad Lubavitch sect of Orthodox Judaism were arrested at 770 Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights, Brooklyn after rioting when the illegal tunnels they had built in the synagogue were being repaired.
Chabad media director Motti Seligson described how “extremist students” broke through the walls adjacent to the synagogue at 770 Eastern Parkway to gain unauthorized access.
JUST IN: Chaos breaks out in New York City after underground tunnels were discovered under the Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters in Brooklyn.
The incident below reportedly took place to prevent a cement truck from filling the tunnels.
According to the Crown Heights Info, the… pic.twitter.com/jHotsUmHKJ
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 9, 2024
Three weeks ago, a local resident said they heard sounds in the walls, and it was discovered that the extremist students built tunnels underneath Chabad headquarters which also serves as a synagogue.
Chabad Chairman Yehudah Krinsky was highly critical of the “young agitators” who built the tunnels and took steps to repair the damage that may have threatened the integrity of the building.
The tension escalated after a cement truck arrived to fill in the tunnels and the extremists broke out into a riot.
Videos on social media showed the extent of the damage with interiors of the synagogue torn apart.
Also apparent in the videos are the tunnels which the students said they built because they wanted to study there.
At one point in the video a Hasidic man is seen emerging from a sewer system around the corner of the house.
The group became increasingly rowdy, standing on chairs and knocking over tables until one of the police officers said they would have to “shut down the whole shul.”
Rabbi Krinsky said, “These odious actions will be investigated, and the sanctity of the synagogue will be restored.”
Rabbi Krinsky also extended thanks to the NYPD for their “professionalism and sensitivity.”
Motti Seligson announced that 770 will be closed pending a “structural safety review” and described the events as “deeply distressing to the Lubavitch movement, and the Jewish community worldwide.”
He added, “We hope and pray to be able to expeditiously restore the sanctity and decorum of this holy place.”
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