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On Saturday, Aug. 21, the Chabad of Long Beach was vandalized, with Torah scrolls stolen, others badly damaged, and the synagogue was extensively damaged during the ransacking of the building.
One man has been arrested, some religious articles that adorn the Torah scrolls were found discarded on a beach in the area, and one man has been arrested and charged for his role in the incident.
However, two Torah scrolls are still missing as members of the congregation continue their search for the religious items.
According to the Rockaway Nassau Safety Patrol, it is believed that the Torah scrolls were either discarded nearby or possibly in the ocean. If they wound up in the water, the scrolls could potentially make it to the shore in Rockaway, or possibly even Brooklyn.
Officials said that they are also working with the NYPD Special Operations unit in the event the precious scrolls end up in the confines of New York City.
In response, a $2,500 reward has been offered for information that leads to the recovery of the scrolls.
"We’re all in shock," Rabbi Eli Goodman previously said. "The two missing Torahs are centuries old and have such special many to so many people.”
Goodman said the Torahs can cost as much as $70,000, but more than money, he said it was their importance to the synagogue that mattered.
Anyone with information regarding the scrolls, or who comes across them, has been asked to contact the Rockaway Nassau Safety Patrol 24/7 hotline or the Long Beach Police Detective Squad by calling (516) 705-7330.
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