A man was caught on surveillance video vandalizing a synagogue in North Miami Beach.
Surveillance video captured the man approaching, Mogen David synagogue, early Wednesday morning, on a bicycle and then violently throwing a rock at the front door, multiple times. The man then turned around and fled the scene on his bike.
A lot of people at the synagogue, located off of 171st Street and Sixth Avenue, said they are concerned after seeing the surveillance video. “I just don’t understand. You see the guy so angry and I just don’t understand,” said congregant Noach Yoder. “I don’t know what he’s so angry about to just throw a thing over here. We learn, we pray. What’s there to be angry about?”
Police are trying to identify the rock thrower.
Coincidentally, this same synagogue was in the news several weeks ago after two women dressed in traditional Muslim garbs walked into the house of worship and asked questions that raised a congregant’s concern.
The encounter led to a full investigation, and it was later discovered that one of the women had terminal cancer and was exploring different faiths. The women were cleared of any wrongdoing.
Synagogue attendees sad they were disturbed by Wednesday’s violent act. “It disturbs me. I don’t know what’s going on that people should be so angry,” Yoder said. “That we should have to be afraid people will come with angry intentions. It’s disturbing, yeah.”
According to police, the suspect didn’t enter the building, but caused damage to the property that’s still visible days later. There is now a hole in a door, and the glass has been shattered, a constant reminder of the damage done to this house of worship.
If you recognize this man, please call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.
