Rabbi Assaulted — Shocking Daytime Attack

Police car and officer on a city street.

In a shocking act that strikes at the heart of religious liberty and community safety, a New Jersey rabbi was brutally assaulted outside his home—highlighting the dangerous consequences of weak law enforcement and the urgent need for a return to order under President Trump’s leadership.

Story Highlights

  • Rabbi Avraham Wein was attacked by Jeffrey Zichinella, 40, in broad daylight on a residential street in Bergenfield, NJ.
  • Community members bravely intervened, helping detain the suspect until police arrived.
  • Both the rabbi and a good Samaritan suffered minor injuries, but the psychological impact on the close-knit Jewish community is severe.
  • Mayor Arvin Amatorio swiftly condemned the violence and ordered increased police patrols around homes and synagogues.
  • The incident underscores ongoing concerns about the safety of religious communities amid rising antisemitic sentiment nationwide.

Attack Details and Community Response

Jeffrey Zichinella allegedly stopped his vehicle on Sussex Road in Bergenfield, exited, and physically assaulted Rabbi Avraham Wein in what local authorities called a “disgraceful act of violence.” The attack occurred in a residential neighborhood with a significant Jewish population, amplifying fears of targeted religious violence. Quick-thinking community members intervened, detaining Zichinella until law enforcement could make an arrest. Both the rabbi and the intervening citizen sustained minor injuries, but the broader impact on community trust and security is far more profound.

Law Enforcement and Political Leadership

Bergenfield police responded promptly, arresting Zichinella and securing the scene. Mayor Arvin Amatorio publicly condemned the attack, calling it “a shameful act that has no place in Bergenfield,” and announced increased police patrols around homes and synagogues as a precaution. This decisive action stands in stark contrast to the permissive attitudes toward crime and disorder seen in many Democrat-run cities, where soft-on-crime policies have emboldened criminals and eroded public safety.

The Bigger Picture: Safety, Values, and the Rule of Law

This assault did not occur in a vacuum. It reflects a broader pattern of rising antisemitic incidents and violence against religious communities across the United States—a trend that has accelerated under lax enforcement and divisive identity politics. For conservative Americans, especially those over 40 who value family, faith, and the rule of law, this incident is a stark reminder of what happens when leaders prioritize woke agendas over public safety and when local authorities fail to uphold the basic social contract of protecting citizens.

President Trump’s administration has made restoring law and order a cornerstone of its agenda, emphasizing the importance of strong police presence, swift justice, and support for religious liberty. The Bergenfield attack demonstrates why these priorities matter: when communities are left vulnerable, it is everyday citizens—not distant bureaucrats—who pay the price. The courage shown by those who intervened is commendable, but no American should have to rely on luck or bystander heroism for basic safety.

Sources:

Rabbi attacked in Bergenfield

New Jersey rabbi assaulted, suspect in custody

Jeffrey Zichinella arrested in Bergenfield rabbi assault