The Chabad movement in New York has faced a series of controversies surrounding the secret tunnel beneath a local synagogue in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. This tunnel has been linked to allegations of child sexual abuse for at least three decades.
The tunnel, unearthed beneath a local synagogue, was home to disturbing items, including a soiled, small mattress and a high chair.
The Pekkar Case
In 1991, a renowned member of the Chabad movement, Hirschel Pekkar, admitted to behaving inappropriately with a 5-year-old girl.
In an unconventional turn of events, Pekkar faced no legal repercussions. A rabbinical court, instead of the law, intervened, directing him towards counseling.
This case has resurfaced in light of the recent revelations, casting a shadow over the Chabad movement’s actions and intentions.
Recent Developments and Allegations
Recent video footage displaying the removal of the stained mattress from the hidden tunnel has led to authorities reacting swiftly.
The secret tunnel at NYC Chabad synagogue has become a distressing symbol of a scandal stretching back 30 years.
🚨🇺🇸 #BREAKING: The NYPD discover secret tunnels under a synagogue in NYC.
The tunnel allowed members of Chabad (a Hasidic Jewish sect) to attend the synagogue during lockdown.
Arrests are being made. pic.twitter.com/bNw5aubzGk
— Censored Men (@CensoredMen) January 9, 2024
The Jewish Chabad movement, which dug tunnels in NYC holding a tiny soiled mattress and a high chair, has long been linked to child sex abuse Hirschel Pekkar, one of its most prominent members, admitted in 1991 to doing ‘things that shouldn’t be done’ to a 5-year-old girl.
The tunnel allowed members of the Chabad (a Hasidic Jewish sect) to attend the synagogue during lockdown.
Richard Strocher, a seasoned TV personality, has gone viral after hearing Jews speaking Yiddish under his floor in his NY apartment in December 2023.
Social Media Impact
The controversy has fueled white nationalist and neo-Nazi accounts, which have capitalized on the lack of moderation on social media platforms.
This narrative has found parallels in the Pizzagate conspiracy theory, underscoring the potential for violence and further hate crimes.
The controversy, while shedding light on the alleged abuses, has also spotlighted a long-standing property dispute within the Chabad Lubavitch community.
As the situation continues to evolve, the Chabad movement must take proactive steps to address the allegations and ensure the safety of its members. By doing so, the Chabad movement can work towards rebuilding trust and ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all its members.