9-year-old Jewish girl seriously injured after rock strikes school bus as it passed anti-Israel rally in New Jersey

While an anti-Israel rally was taking place nearby at the time of the incident, officials emphasized that the motive has not yet been confirmed and remains under investigation.

By Eitan Devir, Jewish Breaking News

A 9-year-old Jewish girl was seriously injured after a rock was thrown through the window of her school bus traveling and struck her in the skull, on a state highway in Teaneck, New Jersey, authorities said. The incident is being investigated as a possible antisemitic attack.

The incident occurred as two buses from a Jewish day school were returning from a class trip.

Officials said the bus was passing an anti-Israel rally when a rock roughly the size of a baseball smashed through a window and struck a third-grade student in the head.

The child suffered a skull injury and was transported by ambulance to a local hospital, where she remains under medical care.

Teaneck police, working alongside the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, have opened an investigation. No arrests have been announced, and authorities are urging anyone with information or relevant video to come forward.

While an anti-Israel rally was taking place nearby at the time of the incident, officials emphasized that the motive has not yet been confirmed and remains under investigation.

Approximately one-quarter of Teaneck’s residents are Jewish, including many religious and traditional families.

Rabbi Chaim Hagler, head of school at Yeshivat Noam, issued the following statement to parents:

“Law enforcement at the local, county, and state levels responded promptly and have launched a full investigation. The New Jersey State Police are leading the effort in coordination with the Teaneck Police Department, the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, and the Prosecutor’s Office. Authorities are gathering witness statements and reviewing available camera footage from the surrounding area. The school is fully cooperating with law enforcement.

“The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority. Our security personnel are on site and, out of an abundance of caution, we have increased security staffing. We are also reviewing and strengthening transportation and security procedures.

“We are working closely with Teach NJ and with local and state elected officials to ensure that all available security resources and government support are fully utilized.

“We recognize that this incident may raise concerns for families and are committed to clear and timely communication as more verified information becomes available.”

Rabbi Hagler concluded by asking the community to pray for the child’s recovery:

“Please daven for a complete refuah for גילה ברכה בת מיכל אילנה.”

The investigation remains ongoing.