A member of a Chabad in Kentucky was injured following an anti-Semitic incident on Saturday night, according to multiple reports.
Ahead of a menorah-lighting for the third night of Hanukkah at Chabad of the Bluegrass in Lexington, a driver pulled up to the congregation and yelled abusive language, according to a Facebook post by the Chabad, which also serves as the Chabad for students at the University of Kentucky.
When a member of the community walked up to the driver’s side door, the driver grabbed the man, dragged him for a block and ran his car over the man’s leg. The car then sped off, according to the Facebook post.
The injured man was taken to the hospital, but not before the lighting as to “not allow darkness to quench our light,” according to the post.
The injured man was released on Sunday morning, reported local CBS affiliate WKYT.
Lexington Police said they are investigating the incident, and trying to find the vehicle and driver.
Lexington Police spokesperson Brenna Angel said on Sunday that “a detective will continue to investigate to determine if bias was a factor.”
Kentucky leaders, including Gov. Andy Beshear, spoke out against the incident.
“The anti-Semitic attack reported Saturday night outside of the Jewish Student Center is an outrage. This hate has absolutely no place in the commonwealth as we build a better Kentucky that is fair and equitable for all of our people,” he tweeted. “That this attack occurred on the third night of Hanukkah, during menorah-lighting celebrations, makes it all the more hateful, hurtful and cowardly. I ask all Kentuckians to join me in praying for a quick recovery and join me in rejecting hate.”
That this attack occurred on the third night of Hanukkah, during menorah-lighting celebrations, makes it all the more hateful, hurtful and cowardly. I ask all Kentuckians to join me in praying for a quick recovery and join me in rejecting hate. ^AB (2 of 2)
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) December 13, 2020
On Twitter, Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron called the incident “sickening and unacceptable.”
“I had the opportunity last week to meet with Rabbi Litvin, and we talked about the importance of speaking out against anti-Semitism in all its forms,” he continued. “My thoughts are with the victim and the Chabad of the Bluegrass.”
This is sickening and unacceptable. I had the opportunity last week to meet with Rabbi Litvin, and we talked about the importance of speaking out against anti-semitism in all its forms. My thoughts are with the victim and the Chabad of the Bluegrass. https://t.co/CWubH5gTKP
— Attorney General Daniel Cameron (@kyoag51) December 13, 2020
In a tweet, Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton posted, “Racism and religious persecution have no place here. Police have started an investigation into the criminal incident at Chabad of the Bluegrass on Saturday. Those who violated the law will be prosecuted. Let’s join in the spirit of Chanukah, a celebration of good over evil.”
Racism and religious persecution have no place here. Police have started an investigation into the criminal incident at Chabad of the Bluegrass on Saturday. Those who violated the law will be prosecuted. Let’s join in the spirit of Chanukah, a celebration of good over evil.
— Mayor Linda Gorton (@MayorGorton) December 13, 2020
Chabad of the Bluegrass, also known as Chabad at the University of Kentucky Jewish Student Center, has been subjected to multiple vandalism incidents, including to its menorah, in recent months.
