Mispallelim at a Sephardic Shul in Flatbush were shocked to find that multiple Sifrei Torah had been robbed overnight on Simchas Torah.
Security camera footage captured the suspect entering Rabbi Beyda’s Shul located at 808 Avenue O near East 8th Street.
It is unknown how the suspect gained access to the safe.
The Sifrei Torah were used on Simchas Torah night for Hakafos before being placed back into the Aron Kodesh.
NYC Councilman David G. Greenfield announced a $1,000 reward for any information leading to arrest and conviction of the individual responsible for Tuesday’s morning’s burglary.
“It is deeply saddening that such a crime could occur at any time of year, but it is especially upsetting that this took place during the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah – when Observant Jews around the world are celebrating the annual completion of the weekly reading of the Torah portion,” Greenfield said. “I encourage anyone who may have information about this crime to reach out to the NYPD Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-800-577-TIPS”
The synagogue, located at 808 Avenue O in Brooklyn, was broken into by a white male in his 20s after around 1AM on Tuesday morning. The perpetrator, who may or may not be Jewish, was wearing a yarmulke. Four torahs were stolen in the burglary.
“I will award $1,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the capture and conviction of the despicable criminal who committed this crime,” Greenfield said. “We will not tolerate this outrageous criminal activity in our community.”
Anyone with information that could help in solving this crime is encouraged call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-800-577-TIPS. The NYPD’s 66th Precint and Major Case Squad is actively investigating.
Sources confirm to YWN that NYPD Detectives have several good leads and are aggressively working on the case.
Yidden dancing in shule would also be seen by such cameras.
I am all for catching the thief and sending a strong message that such evil will not be tolerated.
I would like to know whether this is halachicly permissable?
Do you know how many sifrei torahs are missing from 770 ?
They were borrowed by shluchim around the world and were never returned and apparently no one knows who they were.
to # 7….What do you mean “he looks totally Jewish”? Do we all need to have dark hair, dark eyes and skin? Your language is very offensive. Putting labels on people based on their outward appearance is never appropriate.
The reward is now $10,000
ok this is poshut unecceptable, may the eibeshter deal with this correctly.
why, you know where they are and you’re waiting for a bigger reward?
offer more cash as a reward
Not Hareidi is disguise, very different meanings.
He’s SICK MAN. Not even an idiot will do such a thing.
I thought so too!
He looks totally Jewish, and it happened on Simchas Torah – probably needed them…
A brilliant thought!!!!!
I guess he is doing Hakofos Shnios and SHLISHIS and REVIIS and CHAMISHIS
Maybe he borrowed the sofreí Torah for hakafos in another shul
Your comment is quite silly. Why make leitzanos over a very grave occurrence?
Speaking of leitzanos, besides Greenfield’s measly $1G
“reward” isn’t anyone else -congregants!?!- willing to put up
some money? These Torahs were said to be worth over $200G; you have to be kidding to offer such a pittance.
Whats more embarrasing stealing the torahs or having a thinning hair situation like that.
thats insane!!!! did they get the Torahs back?
did they catch the theif?
looks totally like a frum face
Hope I am wrong