Update on Arrest Made One Week After Sanzer Shul Defaced

By M. C. Millman

This morning, the Ramapo Police Department announced the arrest of the individual allegedly responsible for defacing the Sanzer Bais Medrash on Suzanne Drive. The horrendous discovery of swastikas and hate speech was made by mispallelim when they arrived to daven on Erev Shabbos, June 17. Several swastikas were found drawn behind a coat rack, on a wall, under a metal counter where coffee is made, and scratched deeply onto a computer screen. Clothing was also found torn. 

Rolando DeJesus Gomez-Velazquez, a 32-year-old male from Hillcrest, was charged with Criminal Mischief 4th Degree as a Hate Crime (E-Felony) for damaging the property in excess of two hundred and fifty dollars. He was also charged with Aggravated Harassment 1st Degree (E-Felony) for drawing swastikas on the property and building of another without permission. These crimes are not qualifying offenses requiring bail under the New York State Bail Reform Laws. On the order of Town of Ramapo Honorable Judge Desir, he was released from custody ·without bail on June 25, 2022, on a Desk Appearance Ticket for return to court at a future date.

"As I said at the time of the incident,” Yossi Gestetner, co-founder of OJPAC told Rockland Daily. “I was confident that Law Enforcement would find the alleged perpetrator, and they indeed did find him. I am grateful for the speedy work of all agencies involved."