Police are searching for a woman who allegedly committed arson at a Flatbush yeshiva Thursday night.
The woman was captured on surveillance video at about 7:30 pm pouring out gasoline from a jerry can in front of the Yeshiva of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School on Avenue J, and is then alleged to have lit the gas trail on fire before fleeing the scene.
A security guard for the yeshiva quickly extinguished the fire, and the NYPD reports no injuries. The department’s Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating the incident.
The woman in the video is seen in all-dark clothing, and facial and other features are obscured and hard to distinguish. Police describe her as approximately 5’4″, of average build, and with dark hair.
The yeshiva’s security team declined to comment when reached by Brooklyn Paper.
Police are offering a reward of up to $3,500 for information on the suspect.
WANTED for AN Arson in front of 1609 Avenue J (Yeshiva of Flatbush) . #Brooklyn @NYPD70pct on 10/14/21 @ 7:27 PM an unidentified female poured gasoline in front of the Yeshiva and lit it on fire Reward up to $3500Seen them? Call 1-800-577-TIPS Calls are CONFIDENTIAL! pic.twitter.com/xiqmmnajgy
— NYPD Crime Stoppers (@NYPDTips) October 15, 2021
Police have recorded 75 incidents of bias in Brooklyn this year, per NYPD statistics, including 24 of anti-Jewish bias. The city has seen a rash of antisemitic hate crimes this year, and the Department stepped up patrols in Jewish communities after a particularly egregious incident in Borough Park back in May, where two Jewish men walking home from synagogue were punched, put in a chokehold, and chased with a bat.
Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a Friday statement that the State Police’s Hate Crimes Task Force will provide assistance to the NYPD in the investigation.
“Thankfully, there were no injuries, but I want to make it very clear that this cowardly act of hate has no home here in New York,” Hochul said. “No child should ever be made to feel unsafe, especially in a place of learning. I have directed the New York State Police Hate Crimes Task Force to provide any assistance necessary in the New York City Police Department’s investigation. I will be monitoring the situation closely as we await further details on the investigation.”
