Man Sentenced to 25 Years to Life for Arson Attack on Yeshiva Rebbe’s Flatbush Home

Edited by:  Fern Sidman

In a chilling incident that rocked the tight-knit Jewish community of Flatbush in June 2019, Matthew Karelefsky, 46, was sentenced on Monday to 25 years to life in prison for his deliberate act of arson targeting his former Yeshiva Chaim Berlin Rebbe’s home, as was reported by Yeshiva World News. The harrowing attack resulted in the destruction of three homes, with six individuals sustaining injuries, including a six-week-old infant, a firefighter, and two police officers, the YWN report added. Karelefsky’s heinous actions, which were meticulously planned and executed, left a lasting impact on the affected families and the community at large.

The events unfolded in the early hours of June 13, 2019, when the targeted Rebbe and his wife were abruptly awakened by the flames engulfing their three-story multi-family home located at 1492 East 17th Street. According to the information provided in the YWN report, the fire swiftly spread to neighboring properties, forcing 13 residents to evacuate amidst the chaos and danger. The ensuing blaze resulted in several individuals requiring medical treatment for smoke inhalation, with the youngest victim being a mere six-week-old infant. Furthermore, a firefighter sustained injuries while bravely responding to the scene, underscoring the grave risks faced by first responders in such emergencies.

Upon investigation by Fire Marshals, it was unequivocally determined that the fire was a deliberate act of arson, orchestrated with malicious intent. The fire originated beneath the Rebbe’s front porch, where traces of accelerant were detected by trained K9 dogs. As was indicated in the YWN report, evidence recovered from the scene, including remnants of a Kingsford charcoal bag, charcoal, empty lighter fluid containers, and various incendiary materials, corroborated the deliberate nature of the attack.

Subsequently, a jury found Karelefsky guilty of a litany of charges, including first-degree attempted murder, second-degree arson, multiple counts of assault, and arson-related offenses, the report on the YWN web site said.

The aftermath of the arson attack reverberated throughout the Jewish community of Flatbush, eliciting shock, disbelief, and profound concern for communal safety.

In the wake of the premeditated arson, a remarkable symbol of hope emerged amidst the devastation. Despite the Rebbe’s home being engulfed by flames, an entire wall of sacred seforim miraculously remained unscathed, serving as a poignant reminder of resilience and faith in the face of adversity, according to the YWN report.

This singular wall, untouched by the destructive flames, inspired awe and reverence among onlookers.

Video surveillance footage captured from across the street provided crucial evidence implicating Karelefsky in the heinous crime. The footage clearly depicted him setting the fire, adding weight to the prosecution’s case against him. Furthermore, the YWN reported that surveillance footage from a local grocery store captured Karelefsky purchasing Kingsford charcoal and matches the day before the incident, further corroborating his premeditated intent.

Following intensive investigations, law enforcement authorities apprehended Karelefsky in Manhattan on June 15, 2019. At the time of his arrest, he was wearing a distinctive pink shirt with a white collar, a garment that had been captured on surveillance footage near the victims’ homes both before and after the arson attack, as per the information on the YWN web site.  Additionally, Karelefsky bore a chilling tattoo on his forearm that read, “Never let go of the HATRED – KILL Rabbi Max,” underscoring his deep-seated animosity towards the targeted Rebbe.