The discovery of illegally built tunnels under a synagogue in New York caused wide repercussions in the international community and social media. There were clashes between the police and synagogues, and new images of the tunnel were presented to the public.
It is located at 770 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn Crown Heights, one of New York’s important districts, and is frequently used by the Jewish community. “Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters” The synagogue named came to the fore with the police raid.
During the raid, under the synagogue illegally constructed tunnels was discovered. Meanwhile, a group, including students studying in the synagogue, clashed with the police and were detained while trying to escape through the tunnels.
Various claims were made on social media platforms, such as whether the tunnels were built for secret worship during the pandemic or for women to sneak in. The police launched a detailed investigation into the incident.
The Building Belonging to the Jewish Leader Hosts Thousands of Visitors
According to some reports in the American media, it is claimed that the work on digging the tunnels continued until six months ago.
Before Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, leader of the Orthodox Jewish movement The building that hosted it hosted thousands of visitors every year. Schneerson led Chabad-Lubavitch for more than four decades until his death in 1994, revitalizing the Hasidic religious community in the wake of the Holocaust.
The Chabad-Lubavitch world center, located in New York’s Brooklyn district, came to the fore on Tuesday with the statements of Jewish leaders, police and Rabbi Motti Seligson. Seligson argues that rebellious students from within the movement “They secretly broke through the walls of the vacant building behind the centre, creating an underground passage beneath a series of office buildings and conference halls, eventually connecting to the synagogue.” he stated.
On Monday, a construction crew was sent to repair the damaged walls but was met with protests from students building the tunnel.
Motti Seligson, “Earlier today, there was a cement truck brought in to repair these walls. “But these efforts were thwarted by extremists who broke the synagogue wall and destroyed the sanctuary to protect their trespassers.” said. Seligson stated that these people were arrested and the building was closed for a structural safety inspection.
Also, Seligson “Lubavitch officials attempted to gain control of the building through the New York State court system, but the process dragged on for years, although they consistently prevailed in court.” he stated. He stated that this situation is extremely sad for the Lubavitch movement and the Jewish community around the world, and that they hope and pray to restore the sanctity and dignity of the holy place.
Allegations of Human Trafficking, Prostitution and Violence in the Tunnels
The purpose for which the tunnels were dug has not yet been officially announced. Various users on social media claimed that the tunnels were It was said that it was done for secret worship or for women to sneak in during the pandemic period. He claimed. On the other hand, some social media users, Drawing attention to the blood-filled dirty mattresses coming out of the tunnels, he said that events such as human trafficking, prostitution and violence took place in the tunnels. he suggested. Also tunnels A bloody bed and baby high chairs were found underneath. among the allegations. While no official statement has been made regarding these issues, the police are investigating the incident.
Last month, the New York Fire Department was notified where the building was located. An anonymous tip about the location. It was done. However, when the fire prevention team arrived at the scene, they found that all exits were working and in compliance with regulations. The building is closed pending a structural safety review by city inspectors, it said.
Video of Secret Tunnels Under the Synagogue Released
On the other hand, a video of the secret tunnels under the synagogue was also published. In the shared footage, viewers descended the stairs and walked through the corridors, showing approximately 100 pieces of material removed from the wall of the building adjacent to the Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters in Crown Heights. into a room full of soil behind a 2 meter by 2 meter grid. reaching.
The person who took the images then crawls through this opening and it is seen that the hole opens into a 3 meter high earth tunnel. It is stated that the tunnel is approximately 50 meters long and reaches the center’s closed men’s ritual bath from two corners.
In the shared photos, a beer can and a hanging electrical cable can be seen on the side of the tunnel. In the soil-filled room of the adjacent building, clothes and other items that appear to belong to members of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement are scattered.
