Baltimore Rabbi Fights Off Carjackers With Firearm in Suspected Anti-Semitic Attack

A shocking attempted carjacking targeting a well-known Orthodox rabbi in North Baltimore has reignited concerns about both violent crime and growing antisemitism in the area. Rabbi Emanuel Goldfeiz, 62, the rabbinical administrator for Star-K Kashrut and leader of Beit Yaakov synagogue, was ambushed around 11 p.m. on Motzei Shabbos in the rear parking lot of Park Towers West, where he resides.

According to Baltimore City Councilman Yitzy Schleifer, two masked assailants approached Rabbi Goldfeiz as he returned from synagogue and took out the trash. “They just came up and punched him in the face,” Schleifer said. The attackers knocked the rabbi to the ground and began striking him repeatedly. Despite the violence, Rabbi Goldfeiz managed to retrieve and brandish his legally registered firearm, prompting the suspects to flee.

The ordeal didn’t end there. As the rabbi approached his vehicle, the suspects returned, one even attempting to steal his car but failing to start it. “As the suspects tried to assault him again, the victim drew his firearm and pointed it at them,” a Baltimore Police Department spokesperson confirmed. The suspects then fled on foot. Emergency responders treated the rabbi for minor injuries on the scene; he did not require hospitalization.

Police believe the suspects may be juveniles and are investigating the incident as an attempted carjacking. No arrests have been made as of yet.

Councilman Schleifer highlighted a troubling pattern of vehicle-related crimes in the area, noting that carjacking's are up over 20% compared to the same time last year. Just two months earlier, several break-ins were reported in the same lot. A separate incident involving an attempted vehicle theft occurred the following night only a few miles away.

This latest attack has deeply unsettled the local Jewish community. While the motive remains undetermined, Schleifer pointed to a national surge in anti-Semitic incidents and criticized city leadership for what he described as a lack of vocal condemnation. “What we see is that people feel emboldened to commit violent acts against Jewish people and that needs to stop,” he said, referencing the city council’s failure last year to pass a resolution supporting Israel.

Rabbi Velvel Belinsky of the local Jewish community expressed his concern and solidarity. “When we hear about events like this, it’s definitely very disturbing because safety is a very big concern for us. We are wishing him a speedy recovery,” he said.

The Baltimore Police Department is continuing its investigation. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant, and community leaders are calling for a stronger police presence and clearer public denunciation of anti-Semitic violence.