A woman tried to set fire to a Gramercy Park synagogue in the latest antisemitic crime to hit the city, police said Saturday.
The woman, who sported glasses and was dressed all in black, was caught on surveillance video walking up to the Brotherhood Synagogue on Gramercy Park South near Third Ave. about 1:30 a.m. Thursday.
When she reached the synagogue, she pulled out a book, set it on fire, and tossed it through the synagogue’s metal gate, cops said. The burning book hit a tree, but the fire quickly petered out, cops said. Synagogue administrators didn’t report any significant damage to the property or its grounds.
No arrests have been made. The NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force was investigating Thursday’s attack. If the woman is captured, she’s facing arson and hate crime charges.
The watchdog group StopAntisemitism mentioned a $3500 reward was being offered for information relating to the incident.
Help needed- this woman is wanted by NYPD in connection to antisemitic arson attempt at Brotherhood Synagogue in Gramercy Park South.
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) May 21, 2022
$3500 reward offered, call @NYPDTips (800)577-TIPS with info! pic.twitter.com/Re93NhG8z8
The incident comes as cops face a big increase in antisemitic hate crimes across the city this year.
As of May 15, policewere investigating 114 antisemitic hate crimes in the five boroughs — a 93% jump over the 59 reported this time in 2021.
Police on Saturday released a video clip of the woman in the hope that someone recognizes her. Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is urged to call NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.