Brooklyn yeshiva receives mass shooting threat from convicted felon.
A disturbing incident in Brooklyn has raised significant concerns regarding public safety and threats of violence. Investigators are examining a letter, which has been linked to a convicted prisoner, that allegedly threatens mass shootings targeting specific zip codes in the borough. Authorities reported that the letter was sent by Matthew Karelefsky, a 47-year-old inmate currently incarcerated at Clinton Correctional Facility, to Yeshiva Mikdash Melch, located on Ocean Parkway in Midwood.
According to police sources, the threatening correspondence was received on Sunday and mentioned that “a mass shooting is currently being worked on in three different zip codes.” The identified zip codes—11230 and 11210—encompass areas in Midwood and Flatbush, both of which are home to large Jewish communities. A third zip code mentioned is 06710, representing Waterbury, Connecticut.
This alarming development comes at a time when the New York Police Department is already on heightened alert due to a recent antisemitic incident in which eight individuals were injured during a flamethrower attack in Boulder, Colorado. It remains unclear if additional security measures have been implemented in the targeted areas of Midwood and Flatbush in response to the threats outlined in the letter.
Karelefsky has a troubled criminal history that includes a conviction for attempted murder and arson, for which he was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison in March 2024. His criminal record includes a notable incident in June 2019 when he set fire to the home of Rabbi Jonathan Max, causing significant damage and resulting in 13 people—among them a six-week-old infant—being hospitalized. Fortunately, all the injured parties survived the incident.
The motivation behind Karelefsky’s earlier actions stemmed from personal grievances against Rabbi Max, whom he accused of harboring misconduct. In a previous correspondence with a reporter, Karelefsky expressed animosity towards the rabbi, suggesting that deeper personal issues were at play in his motivations.
Local law enforcement in Waterbury has yet to issue a statement regarding the latest threat. The incident underscores ongoing concerns about antisemitism and violence within communities, prompting discussions about the need for heightened vigilance and preventive measures to protect vulnerable populations. As the investigation continues, residents are urged to remain alert and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
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