Just minutes before the harrowing attack, over 4,000 Bochurim from 56 yeshivos around the globe gathered at 770 Eastern Parkway for the 14th annual “Hour with the Rebbe.”

The event filled the main shul to capacity. Specially rented bleachers were brought in to accommodate the massive crowd, creating an electrifying atmosphere. For one hour, the Bochurim were immersed in the Rebbe’s sichos and niggunim. 

The shul was also arranged to mirror the Rebbe’s original Farbrengens, heightening the intensity of the moment.

Approximately 12 minutes after the video screening concluded – as thousands were descending from the bleachers and exiting the building – the dramatic ramming incident occurred outside.

“As I was about to leave 770, I heard a loud noise,” said one Bochur, one of the participating bochurim. “We were all still under the impact of the event, with the niggunim and the Rebbe’s voice still ringing in our ears. We were very confused about what was happening.”

It soon became clear that a man, later identified as 36-year-old Dan Sohail of Carteret, New Jersey, had repeatedly rammed his vehicle into the back entrance of the shul before being apprehended by police.

Reportedly, the suspect claimed to bystanders beforehand that he was part of the crew hired to remove the event’s bleachers. Organizers have confirmed this was an absolute falsehood and have provided the contact details of the actual bleacher company to the police for the ongoing investigation.

“It’s an absolute miracle that no one was hurt,” said one organizer. “770 was at one of its most crowded points of the year. I shudder to think what could have happened had he made it inside.”

Despite the subsequent chaos, organizers say the event was a resounding success. The unprecedented crowds and sense of unity among the Bochurim fostered a deep feeling of hiskashrus and a shared yearning for the coming of Moshiach.

An Hour with the Rebbe was made possible this year by SeeView Optical and the Ois Besefer Torah initiative.

To contribute to this event:

Cashapp: https://cash.app/$HourWithTheRebbe

Zelle: [email protected]

PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/MosheF770