By Hank Russell
A woman from Albertson and a 14-year-old juvenile have been arrested for damaging a sign showing support for Israel at a Jewish center in Searingtown.
On October 14, Rabiah Rafiq, 18, of Albertson, drove a male juvenile, 14, to the Shelter Rock Jewish Center, located at 272 Shelter Rock Road, at 3:55 p.m. While at that location, the male juvenile damaged a “We Stand With Israel” sign. They both fled the scene in a gray Porsche.
Subsequent to an investigation, both defendants were placed under arrest without incident.
Rafiq was charged with fourth-degree criminal facilitation and endangering the welfare of a child. She was arraigned on October 15 at First District Court in Hempstead.
The male juvenile, who is not being identified because of his age, was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief as an E-Felony/Bias Crime. He was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear at Nassau County Family Court in Westbury on October 28.
In response to the incident, Nassau County Deputy Minority Leader Arnold Drucker (D-Plainview) said in a statement, “As antisemitism soars to new and frightening levels around the world, it is more essential than ever to combat this pernicious scourge wherever and whenever it surfaces. The Nassau County Police Department’s tireless efforts continue to bring us comfort and security at this fraught time, and I am grateful that their vigilance and professionalism empowers Nassau residents of all faiths to live, work, and worship freely and safely.”