Bergenfield rabbi assaulted; neighbors subdue attacker as police launch investigation

Bergenfield officials added that the suspect is not a borough resident.

By Jewish Breaking News

An Orthodox rabbi was assaulted outside his Bergenfield home, before neighbors rushed in, restrained the assailant, and handed him to police.

Authorities say the suspect is in custody and the attack currently appears to be a random, isolated incident involving an “emotionally disturbed” individual.

The victim was identified as Rabbi Avraham Wein, assistant rabbi at Congregation Keter Torah in nearby Teaneck.

He was attacked around 2 p.m., is expected to recover and was not believed to be seriously injured, according to initial reports.

Bergenfield officials added that the suspect is not a borough resident.

Borough leadership and Bergenfield Police said patrols have been increased as a precaution and that detectives are working with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.

“There is no further threat to the public,” their joint statement said, while urging anyone with information to contact the department.

Notably, Bergenfield Police Chief Mustafa Rabboh—Bergen County’s first Muslim police chief and an Arab-Palestinian American—praised the fast action by neighbors and officers and stressed the case appears isolated.

Public records and prior court filings identify Rabboh as Palestinian and Muslim; he was sworn in as chief in 2019.

Bergenfield and Teaneck host one of the largest Orthodox Jewish communities in New Jersey; sukkah-building is a visible, routine pre-holiday scene.

Today’s swift neighborhood response, coupled with a rapid police arrest and added patrols, helped steady a community on edge.

Early headlines referenced Teaneck; that appears to reflect the rabbi’s shul affiliation, while the assault itself occurred in Bergenfield.