A 33-year-old member of Neturei Karta has been charged with criminal mischief as a hate crime and trespassing after allegedly attempting to vandalize the Monsey Service Station, according to MONSEY SCOOP.
The incident occurred early Tuesday morning when the suspect reportedly tried to damage an American/Israeli flag at the service station using spray paint. Ramapo police officers witnessed the act and arrested the individual following a brief pursuit.
This is not an isolated incident for the Monsey Service Station. The business has faced multiple acts of vandalism, flag theft, and protests since the owner's daughter began displaying an Israeli flag earlier this year. The station has reported numerous incidents, including spray-painting on sidewalks, chanting and protesting outside the premises, and even dead fish being thrown in front of the building.
While police have not confirmed if the suspect is connected to previous incidents, he was reportedly arrested in March on a different hate crime-related charge. The accused is scheduled to appear in court on September 19 for the latest charges.
The ongoing targeting of the service station highlights tensions surrounding displays of support for Israel in the area. Local authorities continue to investigate the series of incidents.
Yeshiva World News contributed to this article.