By COLlive reporter
This past Shabbos, Chabad of Beverly, Massachusetts was shaken by a terrifying incident when a local individual was arrested for threatening to attack a synagogue and harm members of the Jewish community.
On Thursday, the Beverly Police Department had been alerted by the FBI National Threat Operations Center about a local resident who had posted multiple threats on social media against the Jewish community. His rants included threats about destroying a Jewish synagogue, assaulting Jewish women, and inciting others to shoot Jews outside a synagogue.
On Shabbos, the Beverly Police Department raided the home of Matthew Scouras, the alleged suspect, and took him into custody.
During the search, authorities discovered several disturbing items, including Nazi paraphernalia, six boxes of ammunition, multiple firearms, and most alarmingly, a detailed list containing the addresses of all Jewish residents in Beverly.
Scouras was arraigned on Monday and is being held without bail, with a detention hearing scheduled for January 13.
“This is far from a minor act of antisemitism,” Rabbi Mendel Barber, who directs Chabad of Beverly along with his wife Fraidy, told COLlive.com. “A horrific tragedy was averted at the last moment, and the entire community is still reeling with fear.”
The Barbers, who moved to Beverly on shlichus just two years ago, have no intention of backing down. By Sunday, they had already launched a campaign to affix Mezuzahs to the seven hundred Jewish homes in Beverly.
As the only visibly-Jewish people in Beverly, Rabbi Barber and his family are understandably shaken, yet they remain fully committed to their mission.
The community enjoyed a full Chanukah of programs and celebrations with Chabad, including five outdoor Menorah lightings.
“These terrorists sought to silence us,” Rabbi Barber told COLlive. “But we will only emerge stronger, louder, and prouder. We are on the Rebbe’s shlichus, and no force can overcome that.”
To support the Barbers’ vision of bringing Judaism to the Jews of Beverly and the surrounding areas in a safe and secure way, click here: http://Chabadofbeverly-salem.com/donate.
Chabad of Beverly is under attack!
Please support them in this difficult time
Chabad of Beverly is NOT Ch”v under attack. There was no direct threat against them B”H.
That said…Support their incredible work, especially their security needs!
Hashem is protecting them. The Rebbe’s shluchim, the Rebbe’s community
May Hashem give you the strength to keep shining and growing in spite of the challenges! Davening for you.
BH that the thug was cought on time!
Thak you Hashem for watching over our precious shluchim
. . . all the precious yidden, as well as those who diligently work, helping to keep everyone safe!