​Westchester DA Investigating Anti-Semitic Zoom-Bombing

SCARSDALE, NY — Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr. announced an investigation into recent anti-Semitic “zoom-bombing” of Jewish religious services in Westchester. The services were being video streamed in an effort to bring people together while following social distancing directives.

Authorities said the incidents took place via a Jewish center video stream Friday, April 3, and a second incident the following week from another congregation. In both cases, congregation leadership had sent email invitations for anyone to join the interactive video stream.

In both incidents, someone logged into the Zoom-based video conference and interrupted the services with anti-Semitic acts, including posting swastikas and other offensive material, that could be seen by all participants.

The Scarpino’s office is working with local police in Pelham Manor and Scarsdale to identify who is responsible. The office has issued subpoenas and are reviewing a recording and other materials of the events. The Cybercrime Bureau is working to trace the digital footprint of the people behind the incidents and the Hate Crime Unit is looking into the specific aspects of the incidents and what criminal charges might apply.

“Everyone during the COVID19 crisis is trying to bring people together using technology but there will always be bad actors who find ways to exploit it," Scarpino said. "These anti-Semitic attacks are hateful and hurtful."

He said his office stands with every person of faith in Westchester to protect their freedom to worship uninterrupted whether in person or online.

"We continue to work with our community partners to stop hate in Westchester,” Scarpino said.

These acts follow continuing investigations into hateful emails sent to residents and a business owner in New Rochelle in February after the COVID19 outbreak began.

Scarpino said everyone using video conferencing software should always record the video stream to have a digital record of any issues that may take place. If your organization has been similarly affected, please report it to your local police or the District Attorney’s Office.

The Anti-Defamation Leagues, working with the Zoom platform experts, has published best practices in using Zoom video conferencing software. Find more information here.

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