The NYPD is investigating a hate crime in Williamsburg, after a Mezuzah was ripped off a door. Sources tell YWN that Shomrim (WSPU) had received a phone call on Wednesday evening reporting the incident at 75 Wilson Street at the Taylor-Wythe Houses. Police arrived as well, and confirmed that a Mezuzah was in fact stolen. The NYPD Bias Crimes Unit was called to investigate.

Council Member Stephen Levin issued the following statement to YWN regarding the incident:

�I am shocked and disturbed that a mezuzah — a religious symbol of deep importance to the Jewish faith — was stolen from the home of a member of the Williamsburg community last evening. We stand together against hateful acts and will pursue whoever is responsible until they are found. Just a year ago multiple mezuzahs were desecrated in the same community and the criminal was found speedily thanks to the work of the NYPD. I have full confidence in the NYPD as they investigate this crime and will continue to work with them through the entirety of the investigation.�

Rabbi David Niederman, President United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg and North Brooklyn gave the following statement to YWN:

“The�desecration�of a holy Mezuzah at NYCHA’s� Independence�Towers last night, reopens the painful wounds of the devastating�Mezuzah burnings the community endured last�year at the same NYCHA Complex. It�reignited the fear of residents, especially elderly Holocaust Survivors.�The designation of this heinous�act as hate crime by the�NYPD is right, because this is what it is, a religious bias crime. We are confident that the 90th Precinct and�1 Police Plaza will apprehend those responsible�and justice will be served.”

(Chaim Shapiro – YWN)