Edited by: Fern Sidman

In a disturbing incident that has shocked the University of Michigan community, a rabbi and a group of Jewish students were held at gunpoint during a home invasion on the first night of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

The incident occurred late Wednesday night at a residence in Southfield, Michigan, as reported by Fox News. According to authorities, the armed suspect entered the home where the group was gathered for a celebratory dinner and held them hostage briefly before fleeing the scene.

The home invasion took place around 10:40 p.m. at a residence on the 16000 block of Hilton Street, located near the University of Michigan campus. According to the Fox News report, the armed suspect gained entry to the home through an open backdoor, a point of vulnerability that led to the intrusion. By the time Southfield police arrived at the scene, the suspect had already fled, but the victims managed to escape without any physical harm.

Southfield police reported that the suspect held the group at gunpoint and demanded, “I’m taking everything, give me everything.” According to Fox News, the occupants—composed of students and a local rabbi—were able to flee through the front door unharmed, a fortunate outcome in what could have been a far more tragic situation. Police have since arrested one suspect, a female accomplice, and identified the primary male suspect, who remains at large. Authorities are treating the incident as a “crime of opportunity” rather than a targeted hate crime at this time.

University of Michigan President Santa J. Ono issued a statement acknowledging the severity of the incident and the fear it has generated in the Jewish community. “Wednesday’s home invasion took place during a time marked by innumerable events locally and globally that have felt overwhelming and unsettling to many in our community,” Ono stated, as reported by Fox News. The university’s administration has pledged its full support to the victims and the broader community, emphasizing the importance of safety and well-being during these challenging times.

In his statement, Ono also referenced the current geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, highlighting the heightened anxiety many people, particularly Jewish students, are feeling. “As tensions in the Middle East have escalated in recent days, it is more important than ever that we work collectively to offer solace and safety to one another,” he said, according to the Fox News report.

While the suspect responsible for the armed home invasion remains at large, investigators are confident they have identified the individual and are working to bring him into custody. As Fox News reported, the female accomplice has already been arrested, but the details of her involvement have not been fully disclosed. The authorities have classified the incident as a “crime of opportunity,” suggesting that the suspect may not have specifically targeted the rabbi and Jewish students for their religious affiliations. However, the timing of the attack, coinciding with the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, has raised concerns within the community about safety and security.

The Southfield Police Department is conducting a thorough investigation and has urged anyone with information about the suspect’s whereabouts to come forward. The Fox News report indicated that in the meantime, the university and local law enforcement agencies are collaborating to ensure that students feel safe and secure, particularly during a period of religious observance.

President Ono, as reported by Fox News, emphasized the university’s commitment to fostering a secure environment for all students. “The university is absolute in its pledge to do whatever it can to protect and care for our students, faculty, staff, and visitors,” Ono said. His remarks echo the sentiments of many campus leaders who have called for increased vigilance and support for students, especially those from marginalized or religious communities.

In the aftermath of the incident, the university is offering mental health resources and counseling services to students, faculty, and staff. Acknowledging the emotional strain that such an event can place on individuals, especially in light of broader geopolitical challenges, President Ono urged everyone in the community to “be proactive in prioritizing your mental health and well-being.”

The university also plans to bolster security measures around campus, particularly during religious holidays and events, to help mitigate the risk of further incidents. While the home invasion appears to have been opportunistic, the fact that it occurred during a Jewish holiday has prompted calls for additional safety protocols to protect vulnerable communities during times of religious observance.