Jewish Leaders Urge Hate Crime Charges, Patience in Shooting of Man on Way to Chicago Synagogue
Community Leaders React to Shooting
Leaders of Chicago’s Jewish community on Tuesday called for hate crime charges, and patience, in the shooting of an Orthodox Jewish man who was headed to a synagogue Saturday in the West Ridge neighborhood.
Shooting Suspect Charged with Attempted Murder
The attempted murder charges filed against Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi, 22, are "a good start," said David Goldenberg, Midwest regional director of the Anti-Defamation League. But he urged patience among those who want hate crime charges to be filed as well.
Understanding the Motive
Chicago police have said the suspect was incapacitated and unable to be interviewed by police after a shootout with officers left him wounded. His motive remains unknown, Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling told reporters Monday. The suspect was expected to appear for a hearing on the charges in Cook County criminal court later Tuesday.
Community Leaders Speak Out
Goldenberg also urged people not to respond to the attack with hate or "evil words."
"I urge our own community, regardless of the anger, the fear, the exhaustion and the exasperation we all feel, myself included, to not use this incident as an excuse to spread hate toward others," he said. "It will not prevent the next attack or help the victim recover any quicker. It might feel good, but it will only pour gasoline on an already raging fire."
Rising Antisemitism
The leaders, speaking on Tuesday from a North Side Jewish center, said the attack comes amid rising antisemitism documented by a recent FBI hate crime report that shows Jews make up 2% of the country’s population and are targeted in 15% of all hate crimes.
Vulnerable Community
Shlomo Soroka, director of government affairs at Agudath Israel Illinois, said he has spoken to the victim of the attack, who he said is an Orthodox Jew. Soroka said Orthodox Jews are the most vulnerable to attacks because they are easily identifiable by their clothes, and since they don’t drive on the Sabbath on Saturdays, must live within walking distance of their synagogue.
Responding to the Attack
Rabbi Levi Mostofsky, executive director of the Chicago Rabbinical Council, said the shooting stands apart from typical gun violence seen across the city.
"It wasn’t just another shooting on the streets of Chicago. When a visibly Jewish individual, in an otherwise placid neighborhood, is shot unprovoked on his way to synagogue, we are terrorized," Mostofsky said.
Conclusion
Jewish leaders in Chicago are calling for hate crime charges and patience in the shooting of a man on his way to a synagogue. The attack is a sobering reminder of the rising threat of antisemitism in the United States, and leaders are urging the community to respond with compassion and understanding rather than hate.
FAQs
Q: What happened in the shooting?
A: A 39-year-old man was shot in the shoulder by a suspect while walking to a synagogue in the West Ridge neighborhood.
Q: What are the charges against the suspect?
A: Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi, 22, has been charged with attempted murder.
Q: What is the motive behind the shooting?
A: The motive is currently unknown as the suspect was incapacitated and unable to be interviewed by police.
