Neighbor Saves Rabbi From Assault In Broad Daylight, Bergen County Police Say

BERGENFIELD, NJ — A man driving by stopped his car and assaulted a rabbi on the street before a neighbor stepped in to stop the attack Sunday afternoon, the Bergenfield Police Department said.

"I am deeply troubled and angered by the horrific assault on Rabbi Avraham Wein in Bergenfield. Violence like this has no place in Bergen County or anywhere in our society," said Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco.

At around 2 p.m. on Sunday, 40-year-old Jeffrey Zicchinella of Ridgefield Park, was driving in his vehicle in the area of Sussex Road when he got out and assaulted the Rabbi, said Bergenfield Police Chief Mustafa Rabboh.

During the attack, a nearby resident came to help the Rabbi, who was being assaulted. As a result, both of the residents suffered minor injuries, said Rabboh.

Zicchinella was taken into custody and charged with two counts of simple assault and remanded to the Bergen County Jail.

"Let me be clear — antisemitism is hateful, it’s dangerous, and it’s absolutely unacceptable. An attack on one member of our Jewish community is an attack on all of us. Bergen County stands firmly with our Jewish neighbors, our faith leaders, and every resident who simply wants to live and worship in peace," said Tedesco." "At times like this, we must stand united and reaffirming the values that make Bergen County strong: compassion, inclusion, and respect for all."

Rabboh has ordered officers to conduct extra patrols around homes and synagogues in an abundance of caution.

The attack remains under investigation, and Bergenfield Police are in consultation with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.

"We take all reports of bias-motivated or hate-related incidents seriously and remain dedicated to ensuring that everyone in our Borough feels safe and respected," said Rabboh. "At this time, preliminary findings indicate that this appears to be an isolated incident. We want to assure our residents that there is no ongoing threat to the community."