A historic synagogue became the epicenter of chaos as nine members of a Hasidic Jewish community in New York City resisted authorities attempts to close a secret tunnel. The tunnel, discovered late last year, connects to a historic synagogue and prompted city officials and leaders to intervene. Clashes broke out, leading to the arrest of the individuals on charges including criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, and obstructing governmental administration.
The tumultuous scene unfolded as police attempted to inspect and fill the illegal tunnel with cement, sparking a confrontation with young men blocking the inspection. The synagogue, once the home of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, is a revered site, attracting thousands of visitors annually. The dispute highlights internal divisions within the Chabad-Lubavitcher movement, with a fringe group seeking to hasten the synagogue’s expansion, a move disputed by the mainstream movement.
Rabbi Motti Seligson, a Lubavitcher spokesman, labeled the tunnel creators as “extremist students” and condemned their actions. The conflict, originating from a decades-old disagreement, reflects the ongoing struggle for leadership within the synagogue since Rabbi Schneerson’s death in 1994. While the exact purpose and origin of the tunnel remain unclear, the incident has disrupted the sanctity of the synagogue, requiring thorough investigations and potential structural assessments.
