Congregant Shot Outside Young Israel of Greater Miami Synagogue

NORTH MIAMI, FL — The president of a Miami area synagogue branded the shooting of a 68-year-old congregant Sunday night as the act of a "coward" and he called for donations to help cover the wounded man's ongoing medical expenses.

Yosef Lifshutz was shot a total of six times, including four shots in the leg, as he was waiting for services to begin outside Young Israel of Greater Miami in North Miami, according to Dr. Damon Salzman, president of the synagogue.

"It does not take terrorist to try and kill someone isolated and defenseless. It takes a coward," insisted Salzman. "It takes someone without courage to attack an elderly defenseless man sitting in front of a place of sanctuary."

Miami-Dade police said the incident occurred around 6:34 p.m. near the front entrance to the synagogue, which is located 990 NE 171 St.

Salzman said on the synagogue's Facebook page that Lifshutz' attacker or attackers was "devoid of humanity" and called the shooting "disgusting" and "repulsive."

Lifshutz was in stable condition at Aventura Hospital Trauma Center as of Monday. Police were still searching for the shooter or shooters.

"A black Chevrolet Impala was observed traveling westbound on NE 171 Street in front of the synagogue," explained Detective Alvaro Zabaleta of the Miami-Dade Police Department on Monday. "As the victim approached the front door, the vehicle stopped, an unknown male exited the vehicle and opened fire, striking the victim several times in the lower extremities."

First responders from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue took Lifshutz to Aventura Hospital Trauma Center.

Police said Lifshutz was walking westbound on the property of the synagogue toward the main entrance when gunfire rang out.

Ed Griffith of the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office told Patch that it was premature to discuss the possibility of charging the shooter under Florida's hate crime provision until an arrest is made in the case and prosecutors have an opportunity to review the circumstances.

Salzman called for prayers on behalf of Lifshutz. "Our first course of action is to take care of the man who was shot. Not only in the acute phase, but what may be a prolonged course of recovery," Salzman said.

Security has been heightened at many U.S. synagogues since the Oct. 27, 2018, attack on the Pittsburgh Tree of Life synagogue in which 11 people were killed by a gunman.

To make a donation to help Lifshutz, visit the synagogue website and note that the donation is for Yosef Lifshutz.

Salzman said the Jewish community has put together a program to help train members and better coordinate security among institutions.

"This endeavor can only work if every organization is invested in its success," he said. "We can work together to try and prevent another senseless tragedy. Together as a neighborhood, as a community, we can be stronger."

He said that people are frightened.

"People are scared. I have received calls asking if it is safe to go to the synagogue," Salzman added.

To report a tip, call Miami=Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477) or 866-471-8477. Alternatively, visit www.crimestoppersmiami.com and select "Give a Tip" or text "CSMD" followed by the tip information to 274637.