Man arrested for throwing firecrackers outside N.J. synagogue

(JTA) — A New Jersey man was arrested for throwing lit firecrackers outside a synagogue and yelling “God is greatest” in Arabic.

Rizek Musheisen, 21, of Clifton, fled in a car Saturday night after the incident at the Ahavas Israel Synagogue in neighboring Passaic, the Secure Community Network said Monday in a notification sent to Jewish community leaders and local law enforcement. The Orthodox synagogue, located about a half hour from New York City, was full of worshippers at the time of the incident.

His car was found in a parking lot shortly after the incident. Police found a bag of firecrackers in the trunk of the car.

Musheisen was charged with bias intimidation, possession of fireworks, harassment and criminal mischief.