WATCH | Clash Erupts After Secret Tunnel Under New York Synagogue Found, 10 Arrested

Chaotic scenes were witnessed at a synagogue in New York after a group of Jewish men clashed with construction workers attempting to fill an illegally dug tunnel, on January 8. The tunnel was discovered at the world headquarters of the Hasidic movement Chabad, also known as Lubavitch, in the Brooklyn neighbourhood of Crown Heights, reported the Guardian. The tunnel spanned from under the women's section of the synagogue to a mikvah -- a Jewish ritual cleansing bath.

According to the New York Police Department, the entry of the group into 770 Eastern Parkway involved damaging a wall, and attempts were made to obstruct construction crews from filling the tunnel. The incident concluded with the arrest of 10 rioters and the temporary closure of the synagogue.

Videos circulating on social media have depicted the clashes between men at the synagogue and police officers and workers. Instances of damaging the synagogue, pulling down wood panelling, and hurling prayer benches at police officers were observed. The video also showcased a Hasidic man emerging from what appeared to be a sewer system around the corner from the facility. Multiple protesters, who refused to vacate the tunnel, were seen being handcuffed and arrested by the US police.

10 people were arrested for criminal mischief and criminal trespass, while one was apprehended for obstructing governmental administration, as stated by the police. In a statement on Twitter issued on Tuesday, Chabad Lubavitch media director Motti Seligson attributed the damage to the synagogue to "extremist students."

Taking to X, Seligson wrote, "Some time ago, a group of extremist students, broke through a few walls in adjacent properties to the synagogue at 784-788 Eastern Parkway, to provide them unauthorized access. Earlier today, a cement truck was brought in to repair those walls. Those efforts were disrupted by the extremists who broke through the wall to the synagogue, vandalizing the sanctuary, to preserve their unauthorized access."

The tunnels were constructed without authorization from the Chabad leadership. It is unclear when or why the tunnel was built, but there are unconfirmed reports that the work took place over the past few years, reported the Independent. Following the incident, the synagogue was closed down by the NYPD until further notice.