Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Man indicted on hate crime charges for vandalizing 3 UES synagogues, prosecutors say
By
Charles Lane
Published Oct 31, 2023
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
By
Charles Lane
Published Oct 31, 2023
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
A Manhattan grand jury indicted a man on charges that he vandalized three synagogues and a Jewish volunteer ambulance, or hatzolah, on the Upper East Side of Manhattan over the summer.
Lenny De La Rosa, 21 of Harlem, was charged with four counts of criminal mischief as a hate crime. The alleged antisemitic acts took place in August.
“Synagogues are sacred places where everyone should be able to practice their faith safely,” District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement. “We will not allow our houses of worship to be violated by hateful acts and we do not tolerate bias and antisemitism.”
At his arraignment, De La Rosa pleaded not guilty. Calls to his attorney were not immediately returned.
The three vandalized synagogues include Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun on East 85th Street, Temple Shaaray Tefila on East 79th Street and Congregation Or Zarua on East 82nd Street. The Upper East Side Hatzolah on East 85th Street was also vandalized.
Those targeted by the graffiti said the indictment feels like justice.
“It calls a spade a spade,” said Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz of Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun. “The criminal mischief when it's antisemitism has a profound emotional effect on the community.”
De La Rosa was arrested on Aug. 16 when an officer recognized him after seeing his photo on an NYPD flier.
Tagged
public safety
manhattan
Charles Lane
Charles is a Day-of reporter focused on breaking news and enterprise. He’s very friendly and can be reached at [email protected], or more securely on whatsapp/signal 631-295-6715
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYPD searching for suspect after fatal stabbing in Queens
Officers responding to a call at the intersection of Jamaica Avenue and 173rd Street around 1 a.m. found 29-year-old Sulimon Ferrier, who had multiple stab wounds to his chest, police said.
By
Ben Feuerherd
Published Oct 3, 2026 at 4:38 p.m. ET
NYPD: 2 suspects in off-duty officer stabbing tried to rob victim
It’s unclear if the attackers knew the victim was NYPD.
By
Jill Webb
News
NYPD: 2 suspects in off-duty officer stabbing tried to rob victim
It’s unclear if the attackers knew the victim was NYPD.
By
Jill Webb
Astoria-born Chip City announces sudden closure days after former CEO sues
By
Catalina Gonella
US judge tosses Trump lawsuit targeting pro-Palestinian protesters in NJ
By
Willow Higgins
A big, bright Saturn will be the highlight of NYC's fall stargazing season
By
Rosemary Misdary
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .