Man Gets Jail Time For Antisemitic Remarks Near 5 Towns Synagogue: DA

MINEOLA, NY — A man has been sentenced to 60 days in jail for attempting to start fights with worshippers outside a Cedarhurst synagogue and making antisemitic remarks toward them, later threatening and spitting in the face of another victim, prosecutors said.

Alvin Tirado, 38, of Queens, pleaded guilty in November to aggravated harassment, which is specifically designed to address hate crimes, Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said,

Tirado was also sentenced to three years probation.

"Hate-fueled behavior and violence have no place in Nassau County. Every resident should feel safe, especially near places of worship and community," Donnelly said. "This defendant’s vile actions – targeting individuals with antisemitic remarks and harassing them during one of Judaism’s holiest periods of the year – are unacceptable."

Patch attempted to get a comment from Tirado's lawyer Daniel Fazio, with the Legal Aid Society of Nassau County.

According to the charges, on the afternoon of Oct. 4, Tirado was driving near the intersection of Lincoln Street and Oakland Avenue in Cedarhurst when he stopped, got out of his vehicle, and had a verbal argument with a group of people who just left Shaare Emunah, Sephardic Congregation of The Five Towns, Donnelly said.

He became aggressive, clenching his fists and attempted to fight multiple people while screaming antisemitic remarks, including "The Jews are taking over” and “I know this building; I’m going to run all the children over," prosecutors said.

Tirado then drove away, nearly hitting a man and his children.

About 20 minutes later, Tirado stopped his car in Lawrence, near the intersection of Barrett Road and Washington Avenue, exited his vehicle, and approached another victim.

He shoved the victim, exclaiming remarks such as "I am going to knock you out" and "I am going to kill you." He then spat in the victim’s face, Donnelly said.

"We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting members of the Jewish community from harm," Donnelly said.