Members of Hewlett’s Jewish community awoke Monday morning to reports of three disturbing incidents that occurred overnight within blocks of the shul and surrounding Jewish homes. The incidents, all of whom took place around 3:00 a.m., have sparked fears of coordinated antisemitic attacks, though details surrounding them remain vague and scant.

The first incident involved a fire at Avi’s Auto Repair, where a tow truck parked in the lot was set ablaze, and the flames spread to the office building. Minutes later, ASAP Restoration had its windows smashed. A third incident occurred at the Chesed Center, where a banner bearing anti-Israel and antisemitic messaging was tied to the building’s front gate.

While initial fears suggested a coordinated hate crime, investigators now reportedly believe that the arson and vandalism at the auto repair shop and ASAP Restoration may have stemmed from a personal grievance against the business owner, rather than targeted antisemitism. However, the sign hung at the Chesed Center is being treated as an act of antisemitism, although a Nassau County police source tells YWN that it may not be a hate crime under the letter of the law because nobody was directly threatened.

Young Israel of Hewlett released a statement urging community members to remain vigilant, review security footage, and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. “While we agree with the message of being vigilant with our security, we would like to remind everyone that we also need to increase our vigilance regarding achdut—unity—and support for each other and our brothers and sisters in Israel,” the statement added.

“No act of hatred will deter us,” the statement concluded. “Our only hope for victory—locally and globally—is through unity. B’yachad nenatzeach—Together we will prevail.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)