A disturbing incident unfolded in Brooklyn on Wednesday evening as a dark Honda sedan was filmed repeatedly ramming into the historic Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters, a significant synagogue for the Hasidic Jewish community. Horrified bystanders looked on as the vehicle smashed into the building at around 8.45pm, with video footage capturing the alarming scene.
NYPD Responds and Makes Arrest at 770 Eastern Parkway
The New York Police Department was called to the scene at 770 Eastern Parkway, where officials swiftly arrived and arrested the driver. According to ABC 7, the individual has not yet been charged as the investigation continues. The NYPD is actively probing whether the collision was accidental or intentional, with no injuries reported from the incident.
Video Footage Shows Repeated Impacts on Icy Surface
Rabbi Yaacov Behram posted video footage of the event on X, which showed the Honda with New Jersey license plates driving back and forth into an entrance way. The car appeared to struggle for traction on ice leftover from the winter storm on January 25, ramming into the synagogue door at least three times.
In the clip, a group of men standing near the vehicle on the snowy ground can be heard screaming and yelling for others to get out of the way. Towards the end of the video, the group shouts 'police' as emergency lights reflect off the snow, indicating the arrival of officials.
Historic Significance of the Synagogue and Community Reaction
The historic synagogue at 770 Eastern Parkway, known affectionately as ‘770’ to members of this deeply insular and intensely observant community, is one of the most important religious sites in New York City. It serves as the worldwide headquarters for Chabad Lubavitch and is a beloved symbol of Judaism globally.
Following the incident, the Anti-Defamation League of New York / New Jersey released a statement expressing deep disturbance. They noted that the building is not only a synagogue but also the worldwide Chabad headquarters, and they are in touch with law enforcement and local partners. The organisation expressed gratitude to the NYPD for making a swift arrest.
New York is home to the largest Hasidic population outside Israel, and this synagogue was once the base of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, a highly influential Jewish leader who fled Nazi Germany. He spent decades establishing a global network of schools and community centres, revitalising a Hasidic community devastated by the Holocaust.
Previous Incidents and Ongoing Investigation
This is not the first time the synagogue has been in the news for security concerns. In January 2024, the NYPD discovered infamous tunnels at the location, leading to the arrest of nine tunnellers aged 19 to 21 for criminal mischief and reckless endangerment related to a 60ft secret tunnel.
The Daily Mail has reached out to the New York Police Department for further comment on the latest incident. As the investigation proceeds, authorities are working to determine the motives behind the car's repeated impacts, with the community and officials closely monitoring developments.
