N.J. Teen Suspected of Targeting More Synagogues
The 19-year-old man charged in attacks on two northern New Jersey synagogues allegedly planned to attack another nearby synagogue.
Anthony Graziano of Lodi, N.J., who has pleaded not guilty to the two attacks, allegedly hid Molotov cocktails and a bicycle in the woods near the Jewish Community Center of Paramus with plans for an attack on Jan. 7.
The Bergen County prosecutor on Jan. 27 added charges of aggravated arson and bias intimidation for the planned attack.
Graziano is being held on $5 million bail after being arrested Jan. 24 in connection with the Jan. 11 firebomb attack on a synagogue and residence in Rutherford and the Jan. 3 arson attack on a different synagogue in Paramus.
He has been charged with nine counts of first-degree attempted murder in the Rutherford attack, as well as one count each of bias intimidation and aggravated arson. Rabbi Nosson Schuman of Congregation Beth El, who lives with his family in the synagogue residence, was injured in the attack.
In the Paramus attack on Congregation K’Hal Adath Jeshurun, Graziano was charged with aggravated arson and bias intimidation, as well as third-degree arson.
If convicted on all charges, he could be sentenced to up to 95 years in prison.
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
