Interfaith leaders, NYPD commissioner address Central Synagogue congregation 1 week after violent disruption

Interfaith leaders and the New York City police commissioner addressed the Central Synagogue congregation Friday night, marking one week since a man disrupted Shabbat services there.

Police say 46-year-old Larry Montes, of the Bronx, ran into the service, made antisemitic remarks, struck a woman in the face, and headbutted a Black security guard while calling him a racial slur.

Montes faces federal charges, including two counts of committing hate crimes, and could face up to 40 years in prison. He also faces state charges including aggravated harassment and assault. So far, Montes has pleaded not guilty to the state charges against him.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch returned to her roots Friday as the lifelong Central Synagogue congregant addressed the packed pews.

"Jewish families will not to be told to accept fear as the price of practicing their faith in New York City," she said.

"There's a sense of amity and respect and neighborliness, and to see that every religion was represented tonight in just solidarity," New York Archbishop-Emeritus Timothy Cardinal Dolan said.

Some congregants say despite last week's disturbance, there was no question in their minds about coming back.

"It was incredibly beautiful, meaningful, inspiring, reassuring," congregant Debbie Prinz said.

"I was there last week, and it was very wonderful, I can't put into words, the support," congregant Abbie Snyder said.

"We were here last week, as well, and so it was good to be among our people who care," congregant Mark Hurvitz said.

"We all pledged to keep each other safe," congregant Lisa Ragen said.

Tisch said for years, Jewish New Yorkers have accounted for roughly half of the city's confirmed hate crime victims despite making up only approximately 10% of its population.

"We understand the fear that incidents like this create," she said. "We will respond immediately. We will conduct a thorough investigation, and we will pursue complete accountability under the law."