Black Lives Matter Brooklyn President Anthony Beckford issued the following statement regarding the heinous attack in Monsey, New York. Mr. Beckford is a three-time candidate – once running for City Council District 45 on the Freedom Party line against Jumaane Williams in 2017, then the following year for State Assembly District 42 as a Green Party candidate, and then against for Council-45 in 2019, but this time as a Liberal Party candidate.

“Saturday night an act of terror and hate occured at the home of Rabbi Rottenburg in Monsey, New York during the 7th night of Hanukkah. A hateful coward used a machete and stabbed several people and even chased after terrified people as they ran away for safety. The person who engaged in this heinous act was located and taken into custody in New York City a few hours after the attack. He has yet to be identified. I am sickened and disgusted with the rise in acts of hate and bigotry that has been taking place around this country, especially in New York. I am angered by the rise in hate crimes, especially anti-semitic attacks that have been taking place in our city. Hate and Bigotry of any kind any kind, will not be tolerated at all.”

“A night of peace turned into a night of violence and trauma and my heart hurts. I stand in solidarity with Jewish Community members during this tragedy and condemn all acts of hate. I commend those who were in the synagogue next door for acting quickly and locking the attacker out, preventing him from attacking more people. To be better, we must work together to do better.”