Bagels, Eggs Hurled at Members of Jewish Congregation Beth Jacob

Dekalb County police are investigating a number of crimes targeting Jewish people. Someone threw eggs at several members of the Congregation Beth Jacob and broke into their cars. Bagels were left on their lawns and tied around trees surrounding the synagogue on Lavista Road

"The Jewish Sabbath begins at sundown on Friday night and is over on Saturday night after sundown and people very often parked their cars here on Friday and leave them until the Sabbath is over," said Rabbi Ilan Feldman.  One car was even stolen from the parking lot and later recovered, police said.

Feldman told Byfield the criminals tend to target his members as they walk home and in particular students leaving a nearby school called Y.O.Y.

"They probably have been the primary targets. They've been the ones who've reported these incidents more than anyone else," he said.

Feldman said one of the egg throwing suspects drives a pickup truck.

"One positive that comes out of these incidents is that we are reminded that we stand for something.  Jewish people stand for something.  Sometimes people don't appreciate that and they show their lack of appreciation in ways that are offensive or terribly freighting and disturbing in Jewish history," said Feldman.

A spokesman with Dekalb County Police told Byfield they are investigating and members of the command staff have meet with rabbis in the area to discuss safety conces and ways to improve their security