A 58 year old man was charged with second-degree terroristic threatening for sending anti-Semitic messages to a shliach and Chabad House at the University of Kentucky. In response, the shluchim announced plans for a new center.
A Kentucky man has been arrested for sending threats to a shliach and Chabad Jewish Student Center at the University of Kentucky.
Sendil Nathan, 58, was charged with second-degree terroristic threatening. Police said he made threats to the shliach and Chabad House for several days. Nathan’s threats featured hate speech that was anti-Semitic in nature, police said
The local shliach, Rabbi Shlomo Litvin contacted the police about the anti-Semitic blackmail. The detectives investigated the matter and arrested Nathan on Monday. He was scheduled to appear in court on Monday afternoon and is being held on a 10,000 dollar bond.
“Over the past few days, The Chabad at UK Jewish Student Center received a series of hateful messages and threats. We reported the messages to local police and the suspect has been arrested,” Chabad at UK said in a statement. “Make no mistake. The threats did not have their desired effect.”
“Acts like this do not represent our community at UK or in Lexington. Kentucky has led the nation in addressing antisemitism in many ways over the last few years, and this hate has no place in our commonwealth,” they wrote.
They also thanked local law enforcement, who addressed their concern quickly and seriously.
“Our community is not intimidated. Activities at Chabad will continue as usual, in communication with law enforcement,” they wrote.
In response to this incident, the shluchim announced their plans for a new and permanent Jewish Center, the first of its kind in the area. For more information visit: ChabadBluegrass.com
Jay Blanton, a spokesperson for University of Kentucky, said the university was just learning about the allegations Monday.
“No one should be subject to threats, discrimination or intimidation,” Blanton said. “As the Chabad Center is not affiliated with the institution and is located off campus, our understanding is that Lexington police are investigating.”
Blanton said UK was reaching out to members of the Chabad student organization to provide support.
The Rebbe said to increase the awareness and observance of the 7 Mitzvos B’nai Noach.
Rabbi Litvin and his wife are amazing Shluchim, I know first hand, let’s try to do our part to support them.