Following news that the person-of-interest in the mezuzah burning case, 35-year-old Ruben Ublies, has been apprehended, Speaker Christine Quinn, Council Member Stephen Levin and other elected officials are congratulating NYPD on their investigation.

“Acts of hatred against the Jewish community have no place in our city,” said Speaker Quinn. “I applaud the NYPD for their swift response to these hate crimes and for apprehending the suspect. We stand united against hate in Williamsburg, across Brooklyn and throughout New York City. I stand with Council Member Levin and members of the community in saying that the city will not tolerate anyone who thinks they can strike fear in the Jewish community.”

Council Member Stephen Levin said, “Today we have sent a clear message: Williamsburg will not tolerate hate, Brooklyn will not tolerate hate, and New York City will not tolerate hate. I want to thank the NYPD, Speaker Quinn, and everyone else who has worked tirelessly to apprehend the suspect.”

Manhattan Borough President Stringer said, “I am pleased that a suspect is now in custody in connection with the burning of mezuzot in Brooklyn this week. These unconscionable actions were an insult to all New Yorkers who believe in tolerance, diversity and religious freedom–and the prompt arrest of the person allegedly responsible for these desecrations sends an important signal that there is no place for such contemptible behavior in our City.”

Senator Daniel Squadron said, “Apprehending the suspect in this week’s abhorrent crimes is an important step that will hopefully put an end to a very ugly few days. Hate crimes have absolutely no place in our city or anywhere, and we must continue to stand together against all forms of bigotry and intolerance.”

Assemblyman Joseph R. Lentol said, “I applaud the NYPD for acting swiftly in finding the suspected hate-crime perpetrator. Our community has no tolerance for individuals that infringe on the religious freedoms of others. This is a heinous crime, as all hate crime is.”

Council Member Erik Dilan said, “Acts of religious intolerance or hate crimes of any form are reprehensible, cause unnecessary divisions, and have no place in our diverse city. The NYPD did a great job in acting quickly on these cowardly acts.”

“The NYPD did a tremendous job of identifying and tracking down this individual before he could spread more hate and endanger more lives,” said Council Member David Greenfield. “As a city, we must send a message that individuals who seek to terrorize people on the basis of their religion or ethnicity will not be tolerated and will be held accountable for their actions. My thanks to the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Unit and everyone involved in getting this individual off our streets so quickly.”

“I was deeply disturbed by the act of religious desecration that took place on Holocaust Remembrance Day, and I join my colleagues in commending the NYPD for their swift identification and apprehension of the individual suspected in these hateful crimes. Let this be a reminder to all who would seek to strike fear in ethnic and religious communities through cowardly acts— your actions will be discovered, and you will pay the price,” said Council Member Letitia James.

Rabbi David Niederman, of United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg, said, “The Jewish community is incredibly grateful to the NYPD for their tireless work to find the person responsible for these hateful acts. Their work with members of the community to find the suspect has brought us one step closer to justice.”

(YWN Desk – NYC)