Assistant Rabbi of Teaneck Shul Assaulted in Bergenfield

A rabbi from a Teaneck shul was lightly injured Sunday afternoon after being violently assaulted outside his home in neighboring Bergenfield.

The suspect was swiftly taken into custody after two bystanders intervened and subdued him until police arrived on the scene.

The victim has been identified as Rabbi Avraham Wein, an assistant rabbi at the Keter Torah shul in Teaneck.

In the evening, Police Chief Mustafa Rabboh named the suspect as 40 year old Jeffrey Zicchinella of Ridgefield Park, NJ.

He was charged with two counts of simple assault and remanded to the Bergen County Jail.

Zicchinella has a history of prior arrests, for crimes including a 2024 charge of stalking.

Rabboh says the investigation is ongoing, but reiterated that “At this time, preliminary findings indicate that this appears to be an isolated incident.”

He also ordered officers to conduct extra patrols around residences and shuls, but stressed that there are no known threats at this time.

Sources told Belaaz that the rabbi is Baruch Hashem in good condition following the assault.

Contrary to reports circulating on social media which claimed that Rabbi Wein was hospitalized, a message from the Chief of Bergenfield EMS was shared with Belaaz stating that this was “Not true at all. I literally just drove him home myself from making a statement at the PD.”

The suspect is believed by law enforcement to be an emotionally disturbed individual.

The incident drew immediate and forceful condemnation from local officials, who sought to reassure a shaken community.

In an official statement shortly following the crime, the Borough of Bergenfield called the attack a “disgraceful act of violence that has no place in our town and will not be tolerated.” The borough leadership, including Mayor Arvin Amatorio and the full council, expressed their outrage and promised decisive action. “The Borough of Bergenfield condemns in the strongest terms the recent violent assault on a rabbi in our community,” the statement read.

Rabboh confirmed the timeline of events and the crucial role citizens played. “At approximately 2:00 PM today, a faith leader was assaulted in Bergenfield,” Chief Rabboh stated. “Thanks to the quick response from residents in the area and the Bergenfield Police Department, the assailant was stopped and taken into custody.”
Officials confirmed the suspect is not from the area. The borough’s statement noted, “Based on the initial investigation, the individual is not a Bergenfield resident but came from out of town.”
Both the police and borough administration emphasized that a full investigation is underway. Chief Rabboh cautioned, “The matter is being investigated so please allow the police time to do their job,” adding that at present, “we believe this to be a random, isolated incident.” He assured the public that there is “no further threat.”

The borough vowed to seek the maximum penalty for the crime. “Our Police Department is working in close coordination with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office to ensure that the suspect is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” their statement declared. “Let us be clear: any act that threatens the safety of our residents will be met with the full force of law.”

In response to the attack, officials have immediately stepped up security. “The police presence throughout the Borough has been increased, and all necessary security measures have been implemented,” the borough confirmed.
In his statement, Chief Rabboh expressed solidarity with the community. “We extend our concern and support to those affected and stand in solidarity with our local faith community. We remain committed to ensuring the safety, unity, and well-being of all residents.”