Crime & Safety

Synagogue Firebombers Sentenced To 35 Years: Report

Aakash Dalal, 24, masterminded a series of attacks and show Anthony Graziano how to make Molotov cocktails that were used in the attacks.

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Anthony Graziano and Aakash Dalal were sentenced to 35 years in prison for firebombing North Jersey synagogues 2011 and 2012, according to a NorthJersey.com report.

Graziano and Dalal were charged on a 30-count indictment in 2013 with arson and bias-related incidents that occurred from Dec. 11, 2011 to Jan. 11, 2012 in Paramus, Rutherford, Maywood and Hackensack.

The indictment included nine charges for the attempted murder of Rabbi Neil Schuman and his family and the associated fire bombing of Temple Beth El Synagogue in Rutherford.

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RELATED: Bergen Firebomber Guilty Of Terrorism, Faces Possible Life Sentence

The men were also charged with the Jan. 3, 2012 firebombing of Temple K'Hal Adath Jushrun in Paramus and the attempted arson of Jewish Community Center in Paramus on Jan. 7, 2012. The bias intimidation offenses related to Temple Beth Israel in Maywood and Temple Beth El in Hackensack.

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Dalal, who authorities said of the brainchild behind the firebombings, was convicted of terrorism in November. Dalal showed Anthony Graziano how to make the molotov cocktails used in the firebombings. The men have known each other since middle school.

Investigators uncovered online conversations between Graziano and Dalal that seem to indicate that Graziano was trying to impress Dalal. In one conversation on Jan. 4, Graziano and Dalal were speaking about the attack on Congregation K'hal Adath Jeshurun, which did minimal damage.

"Basically no damage," Dalal allegedly wrote.

"It did nothing. You haven't proven yourself."

"So how much damage would be acceptable?" Graziano allegedly asked.

"Serious damage," Dalal allegedly responded. "Or total burnage."

In a later conversation, Graziano allegedly reports that he has found all-wood synagogue, Beth El in Rutherford, authorities previously said.

"Make sure they break through the windows," Dalal allegedly advised.

The two apparently discussed the investigation into the attacks, as well. In another undated conversation after the Rutherford attack, Dalal allegedly wrote, "We are going to put these Jews in their ... place."


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Photos: Aakash Dalal and Anthony Graziano— Bergen County Prosecutor's Office/Background image via Shutterstock

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