NYC Councilman Jumaane Williams:

“My prayers for rapid healing are with Levi Rosenblatt, his family, and the entire Chabad-Lubavitch community as they recover from this disturbing incident. I am grateful that no one from the synagogue sustained life-threatening injuries. Since it is also traumatic to take a life, it is my hope the officer receives appropriate services as well. Some places and times must be sacred, so it is troubling that this occurred in a place designed for worship, reflection and communion with G-d.

“After reviewing the disturbing video posted online and receiving updates throughout the day, it appears from the portions that are visible that the officers fully attempted to diffuse the situation before firing the single fatal shot. As we continue a much needed and imperative discourse on NYPD and how they serve our communities, it is important to take note of that. I commend these officers for their quick response and apparent multiple of attempts to not use lethal force.

“At the same time, we must consider how we deal with residents who suffer from mental illness– particularly with those known by the community and police like this attacker apparently was. How might this have been handled differently if there were more training or special units specific for these situations? What if our police department worked closer with other agencies like the Department of Mental Health and Hygiene to provide tandem services?

“Real, concerted efforts must be made to provide more mental health services throughout the city by utilizing a multi-pronged approach. It is my hope that community members, elders, parents, adults and responsible young people alike, stand with me to make sure those who need mental health services receive them as soon as possible.”

NYC Councilman Stephen Levin:

“My deepest thoughts and prayers are with Levi Rosenblatt and his family after yesterday’s horrendous attack. Acts like this have no place in our communities and it is important that we do everything in our power to prevent them from happening again. We must increase services for those with mental health issues, we must rally against attacks in our communities, and we must continue to pray for Levi as he recovers. I also want to thank NYPD and Hatzolah for their quick response to this incident.”

NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer:

This morning’s attack on a Jewish student inside Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters in Brooklyn was a horrific act of violence that has no place in our City. As New Yorkers, we condemn all acts of hatred and bigotry, because an attack on one group is an attack on us all. My thoughts and prayers are with Levi Rosenblatt and his family, and I wish him a speedy recovery. This troubling incident highlights the need to increase support for people with mental illness in our City to possibly avoid tragic events like this in the future.

Simon Wiesenthal Center Applauds NYPD Response And Also Urges Federal Authorities to Fully Investigate Knife Attack at Chabad Synagogue

The Simon Wiesenthal Center is urging Federal authorities to fully investigate the horrific stabbing of a Yeshiva student at a Chabad synagogue.

“We are so grateful that New York’s finest were able to quickly intercede and kill the perpetrator of the horrific attack before more harm could be done and we also appreciate all that Commissioner Bratton and the NYPD, along with the Department of Homeland Security, have done to protect New Yorker’s from terrorism and violent extremism. Given the recent gruesome murders of four rabbis at prayer inside a Jerusalem synagogue, as well as attacks on European synagogues and the murder of a rabbi in Florida last spring, it is important for federal agencies, including the FBI and Homeland Security, to fully vet the background of the perpetrator and his motivations,” said Rabbi Steve Burg, the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Eastern Director, and Mark Weitzman, the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Director of Government Affairs.

Weitzman and Burg added, “such an investigation would ensure there are no questions left open about this attack, and would represent a strong statement that the US government will act vigorously to guarantee that houses of worship remain sanctuaries and not targets.”

NYC Councilman Chaim Deutsch:

“Early this morning, an emotionally disturbed individual entered one of Brooklyn’s most prominent synagogues and viciously stabbed a 22 year old student, who is currently in stable condition at Kings County Hospital. This occurrence indicates the growing need for increased police protection at sensitive locations such as schools and houses of worship in the New York City area. I want to commend the New York City Police officers who responded to the incident with professionalism and tact. NYPD officers face extremely dangerous and frightening conditions daily, and their bravery and courage in protecting us is admirable. I thank New York’s Finest for their continued service.”

Public Advocate Letitia James Condemns Senseless Attack At Crown Heights Synagogue, Praises Quick Work of NYPD and Hatzolah

Following the violent attack at 770 Eastern Parkway, a Chabad-Lubavitch synagogue, in which a disturbed knife-wielding man entered the Crown Heights synagogue, New York City Public Advocate Letitia James released the following statement:

“I am deeply disturbed by the by the senseless attack at the Chabad-Lubavitch headquarters. My thoughts and prayers are with the victim, Mr. Levi Rosenblatt, and the community,” said New York City Public Advocate Letitia James. “Thankfully, the NYPD’s quick work prevented the assailants from harming anyone else. My office will continue to remain in close contact with the the community and law enforcement and offer any support necessary.”

NYC Mayor De Blasio:

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Levi Rosenblatt and the entire Chabad-Lubavitch community in the aftermath of this disturbing attack. New York City stands with the Crown Heights community, and under the leadership of the New York City Police Department, we are monitoring this case very closely and conducting a thorough investigation. Commissioner Bratton has also ordered the NYPD to increase security at Jewish religious institutions across the city as a precaution while the investigation is underway. I look forward to visiting the community in the coming days to hear concerns and reassure people of the City’s commitment to all of our safety and security.

“This incident also highlights the urgent need for increased services for emotionally disturbed or troubled people. Preliminary reports suggest the assailant in this case suffered from mental health issues. We as a society must do more for those who struggle with these challenges, and it is why the City has launched a new plan to improve access to mental health care and treatment for those in need.

“Finally, we commend the police officers who answered the call to this incident. They responded quickly to a tense and dangerous situation, and while any loss of life is tragic, we are fortunate that, thanks to the actions of our officers early this morning, more people were not injured or worse. The job our brave men and women perform on a daily basis to protect the people of New York City is often perilous and difficult, and we thank them for their service.”

New York State Senator Senator Felder:

“Our prayers go out to Levi Yitzchok ben Reizel, the Jewish student injured in yesterday’s attack in the Chabad-Lubavitch synagogue at 770 Eastern Parkway, and we continue to pray for his speedy recovery.

“I have nothing but high praise for the officers of the New York Police Department, for responding swiftly and apprehending the suspect in this horrific crime.

“While this was an isolated incident by a perpetrator with a troubled history, I have been in communication with the 66 Pct. and have been assured that they are taking additional measures to insure safety and security throughout the district.”

NYC Councilman Mark Levine:

At 1:45 a.m. this morning, a 22-year-old Israeli student was stabbed in the face by a knife-weilding man at a Brooklyn synagogue before he was shot dead by responding police officers. Video of the incident clearly shows police officers repeatedly ordering the man to put down the nine-inch blade he jammed in Levi Rosenblatt head during an intense exchange in the basement of the Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters on Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights. The man was killed by a single bullet to the stomach only after he picked up the knife and charged at the officers.

In response, Council Member Mark Levine, Chair of the City Council’s Jewish Caucus, issued the following statement:

My thoughts and prayers are with Levi Rosenblat, wishing him a full recovery from last night’s horrific attack. I am grateful officers intervened quickly and professionally to prevent what could have been a far more deadly incident, and I thank the NYPD for the appropriate increased security they have been providing for our community’s synagogues and institutions.

Brooklyn Boro President Eric Admas:

Today at 2:00 PM, Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams will join Jewish community leaders and elected officials in responding to the fatal shooting of 49-year-old Calvin Peters, an armed individual who stabbed 22-year-old Israeli student Levi Rosenblatt in the face last night inside the Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters in Crown Heights before being shot by an NYPD officer. Borough President Adams and others will address the community’s concerns on the attack and the safety of local residents.

Greenfield Praises NYPD For Protecting Lives After Brutal Attack at 770 Eastern Parkway Synagogue

Councilman David Greenfield released the following statement this morning:

“Following on the heels of the brutal stabbing terror attack in a Jerusalem synagogue the other week, I was unnerved to learn about the brutal stabbing of a Jewish student last night in Brooklyn at Chabad’s world headquarters, the synagogue at 770 Eastern Parkway,” said Councilman Greenfield. “The young man was stabbed in the head in a vicious and shocking attack. I wish him a speedy recovery.”

“The video clearly shows that everyone, including friends of the victims, tried to deescalate the situation of an armed man inside shul who had just stabbed a Jewish student. The attacker was yelling “do you want me to kill you?” at shul-goers and NYPD officers at the scene. The responding officers bravely shot the perpetrator and protected the lives of others in the synagogue. I thank the NYPD for their professionalism and for protecting innocent lives at 770 Eastern Parkway this morning – one of the world’s most important synagogues.”

“I also appreciate the NYPD increasing patrols at Jewish sites this morning and encourage everyone in New York City to be vigilant. If you see something, say something and call 911 immediately.” – See more at: http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/headlines-breaking-stories/274810/greenfield-praises-nypd-for-protecting-lives-after-brutal-attack-at-770-eastern-parkway-synagogue.html#sthash.MB4Q6Wi7.dpuf

Treyger Praises NYPD for Heroic Response to Synagogue Stabbing

Brooklyn – Council Member Mark Treyger released the following statement praising the NYPD officers who responded to the stabbing this morning at Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters:

“We once again are reminded that the brave members of the NYPD will not hesitate to protect the public despite the clear risks the officers faced early this morning. My sincere thanks to all of the officers who responded to this morning’s horrific scene and prevented this individual from injuring or killing other innocent bystanders. My prayers are with the victim and his family as he recovers from this senseless and unprovoked attack. We must not lose sight of the fact that our officers place themselves in harm’s way each and every day and that we owe the NYPD a debt of gratitude for their selfless and heroic actions on our behalf. This is also a reminder that religious institutions, including synagogues, sadly remain vulnerable to those who wish to harm others solely based on their religion. We must remain vigilant as a community and continue to work with the NYPD on ways to ensure the safety of all worshippers.”

Hikind Condemns 770 Stabbing Attack; Praises NYPD

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) condemned the cowardly attack last night on an innocent Jewish student which occurred at Chabad headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn, New York. The attacker entered 770 where he stabbed the 22-year-old Israeli yeshiva student in the neck. The student was transported by Hatzolah to the hospital in stable condition where he is now conscious and alert. Police shot and killed the attacker, who lunged at them with a knife after they attempted to arrest him.

“There are not words strong enough to condemn this despicable act,” said Assemblyman Hikind. “A guy walked into 770 wielding a knife where hundreds of people were studying and praying and stabbed a student in the neck. It is only by the grace of G-d that this young man lived.

“I’m told that the attacker came earlier that evening, too—he was stalking the scene. Thank G-d he didn’t inflict more harm nor do more damage to more people.

“The entire Jewish community is impacted by these cruel and senseless attacks. How can we help but be reminded of the recent, horrible tragedy in Har Nof, which left five innocent people dead?

“While we don’t have a precise motive yet in last night’s contemptible attack, one thing is clear—we need greater security for our Jewish institutions.”

Hikind expressed his appreciation to the NYPD and Hatzolah for their quick response. “We are fortunate to have the NYPD and Hatzolah. Our police and our volunteer groups stand vigilant. But we must all remain alert.” Hikind urged the public to pray for the complete recovery of Levi Yitzchok ben Raizel, the young rabbinic student, from Beitar Illit in western Gush Etzion, now in stable condition but still in need of prayers at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn.

In wake of attack in Crown Heights Synagogue: FJCC calls for Enhanced NYPD Security at Religious Institutions

This morning’s stabbing in a Crown Heights synagogue serves as a stark and scary reminder of the urgent need for enhanced security for religious institutions both Synagogues and Yeshivas. Thankfully, due to the quick response and decisive action of NYPD officers stationed just outside the synagogue many potential injuries were avoided.

The Flatbush Jewish Community Coalition (FJCC) joins our elected officials and calls on New York City and the Police Department to enhance and strengthen police presence at our most vulnerable public and private institutions.

The FJCC wishes to extend our sincere appreciation to the officers of the NYPD who continuously go above and beyond the call of duty in their efforts to protect New Yorkers. There is something noble in a police officer running into harms way to protect the citizens they serve. They deserve our deep gratitude and utmost respect.

The FJCC also wishes to laud the Hatzoloh Volunteer Ambulance Organization for their immediate and professional response to this morning stabbing. Hatzoloh volunteers represent the very best of the Orthodox Jewish community and the Jewish community is grateful for their tireless devotion.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)