Woman Attempts To Set Midwood Yeshiva On Fire: NYPD

MIDWOOD, NY — The New York City Police Department and the NYPD Hate Crime Task Force are searching for a woman who attempted to light a Brooklyn yeshiva on fire.

On Thursday at approximately 7:27 p.m., a woman poured gasoline out of a canister in front of the gates of the Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School on 1609 Avenue J in Midwood, and then lit the gasoline on fire, according to the NYPD. A security guard quickly poured water over the fire and extinguished it. No damage or injuries were reported.

The woman then fled the area on foot.

She is described as an adult, 5’4”, of average build, with dark hair. She was last seen wearing all dark-colored clothing, black shoes, and carrying a red gasoline canister.

Mayor Bill de Blasio called the act “vile” on Twitter. “An attack on one of our yeshivas is an attack on all New Yorkers, and we WILL bring this person to justice,” he said. “If you have any information on who perpetrated this vile act against our Jewish brothers and sisters, please contact the NYPD.”

An attack on one of our yeshivas is an attack on all New Yorkers, and we WILL bring this person to justice.

If you have any information on who perpetrated this vile act against our Jewish brothers and sisters, please contact the NYPD. https://t.co/fpPBhDXZhP
— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) October 15, 2021

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has directed the New York State Police Hate Crimes Task Force to assist in the investigation, according to a news release.

"I want to make it very clear that this cowardly act of hate has no home here in New York. No child should ever be made to feel unsafe, especially in a place of learning," Hochul said. "I have directed the New York State Police Hate Crimes Task Force to provide any assistance necessary in the New York City Police Department's investigation. I will be monitoring the situation closely as we await further details on the investigation."

Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577 TIPS (8477) or 1-888-57-PISTA-74782 for Spanish. Tips can also be submitted online. A reward of $3,500 is being offered for information leading to an arrest, according to NBC4.

Antisemitic attacks have continue to rise in New York, and throughout the country and the world. In June, the NYPD said it had already investigated about 100 antisemitic hate crimes, according to Spectrum News.

The Yeshivah of Flatbush is a Modern Orthodox (non-Hasidic) Jewish day school serving 10,644 students in grades 2-12 over two campuses.

Patch has reached out to the school for comment.