A group of orthodox Jews seeking continued access to a clandestinely constructed tunnel within a New York synagogue obstructed a construction crew summoned to fill the opening with concrete on Monday.
Around 10 men, donned in traditional Hasidic Jewish attire, were apprehended by the New York City Police Department when the situation escalated into a commotion, according to various media accounts.
The conflict reportedly arises from a long-standing rift within the Chabad, one of the largest Hasidic Jewish groups globally, pitting the Chabad-Lubavitch movement against the synagogue’s leadership, as reported by the Daily Mail on Tuesday.
The tunnel site is situated in a century-old establishment serving as the World Headquarters of Chabad-Lubavitch. Both factions claim ownership of the site.
According to reports, members of Chabad-Lubavitch had been excavating tunnels for months before their discovery in December 2023. Subsequently, the synagogue leadership enlisted engineers to assess the damage and, on Monday, sought to fill the space with concrete.
Social media videos widely circulated depict orthodox Jewish men dismantling wooden walls and occupying the space to hinder construction crews from safely accessing it. Some individuals were seen tossing items and dislodging furniture in an attempt to impede the filling process, actions that garnered support from many.
Numerous police officers were later observed detaining and removing individuals from the premises.
Citing an NYPD spokesperson, the Daily Mail reported, “On Monday, January 8, 2024, at approximately 1530 hours, police responded to 911 calls of a disorderly group outside of 770 Eastern Parkway, within the confines of the 71 Precinct.”
“Upon arrival, officers were informed that a group of individuals unlawfully entered 770 Eastern Parkway by damaging a wall.”
“At this time, it is known that a number of individuals were taken into custody. Charges are pending. No injuries were reported as a result of this incident.”
The space has been closed until further notice.
Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, chairman of the Chabad-Lubavitch headquarters, expressed disappointment in a social media statement, saying, “The Chabad-Lubavitch community is pained by the vandalism of a group of young agitators who damaged the synagogue below Chabad Headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway Monday night.”
“These odious actions will be investigated, and the sanctity of the synagogue will be restored. Our thanks to the NYPD for their professionalism and sensitivity,” the statement added.
A report from Forward.com suggested that the secret passage led to a space beneath the women’s section and a ‘mikvah’ – a bath used for rituals.
Various claims regarding the tunnel’s purpose during COVID-19 or its connection to an illegal expansion have not been confirmed by authorities or the synagogue leadership.
