AJC Praises Arrest in New Jersey Synagogue Fire-Bombings

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Jan 25, 2012, 11:36 ET

NEW YORK, Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC praised New Jersey law enforcement for apprehending a suspect in the recent fire-bombings of two synagogues. Anthony Graziano, 19, is charged with nine counts of attempted murder, bias intimidation, arson and aggravated arson.

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"We commend the rapid response of New Jersey authorities to these violent hate crimes against Jews," said John Rosen, director of AJC's New Jersey Region. "Mr. Graziano should be prosecuted and, if convicted, sentenced to the full extent of the law."

Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli said, "We have no doubt that the arson and attempted murder in Rutherford were a direct result of Mr. Graziano's hatred of people of the Jewish faith."

On January 11, in Rutherford, Congregation Beth-El Rabbi Nosson Schuman and his family escaped after Molotov cocktails ignited their home next to the synagogue. A week earlier a Paramus synagogue was attacked.

"While Mr. Graziano, who apparently acted alone, has been taken off the streets, these attacks are a sober reminder that the Jewish community, with the support of others, must always remain vigilant against those who carry in their hearts and souls deep hatred," said Rosen.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee