Deli Vandals: NY’s Lansky’s Was Ransacked
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
On Wednesday, Lansky’s Traditional Jewish Deli on New York’s Upper West Side was closed after equipment was broken, money was stolen from the register and walls were vandalized.
The West Side Rag reported that owner David Ruggerio said someone broke in on late Tuesday and wrote “ugly” and “offensive” words on the walls.
The New York Post reported detectives are looking at the possibility that it was an inside job. Ruggerio claimed that two weeks earlier, a dishwasher and an accomplice broke into the deli and cooked themselves meals. After both incidents, Ruggerio said he saw a message left behind, “’NOPOLR,’” with capital A’s in the two O’s and the word “California” beneath.
The Post also reported that in 1999, Ruggerio pled guilty to adding $100,000 in tips to credit card bills.
Ruggerio hopes to re-open Friday evening.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
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
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
