Michele Anenberg-Poma, a congregant at Central Synagogue, stated she will not be silenced after being assaulted during a Friday night service. In an Instagram post on Saturday, she shared a photo of her injuries, including a bloody lip and a gash on her forearm, accompanied by a message of resilience.
"I am the woman who was assaulted last night at Central Synagogue. You will not punch out our Jewish light. You will not stand and cause harm to our eternal light," Anenberg-Poma wrote. "We will continue to sing our prayers of peace, love, and joy while protecting the voices that lead us each week."
Attack Details
The alleged assailant, Larry Montes, 46, reportedly uttered antisemitic slurs during the attack. Police sources stated Montes seethed “F–k the Jews” as he verbally assaulted congregants. Anenberg-Poma, 63, was allegedly struck by Montes. A 65-year-old security guard who attempted to intervene was reportedly headbutted and spat upon.
Montes is also accused of breaking two religious candles, each valued at $20,000. The incident occurred shortly after prayers began at 6 p.m. during the Shabbat service. Harrowing livestream footage of the service, shared on social media, captured the erratic behavior of the man at the front of the synagogue.
Legal Proceedings
Larry Montes was arrested and charged with two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime. He was ordered held on $10,000 bail following his arraignment on Saturday.
Community Response
Friends described Anenberg-Poma as someone with a "biggest heart" and dedicated to children's causes. Supporters expressed solidarity, with one writing, "After an antisemitic attack, you have every right to isolate and lick your wounds. Instead, you are coming forward as a light for the Jewish community. Many non-Jews stand with you, myself included."
Another message of support read, "Thank you for reminding us of the light, no matter what they try to do."
Anenberg-Poma, a former Disney creative marketing executive, has been politically active, including volunteering for "Hillary for America" and working with the Lower East Side Girls Club. She is also described as an ardent supporter of Israel and had previously spoken out against antisemitism in January to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day. She posted a video condemning "the evil of radicalized, proliferated antisemitism that is present at every turn," and urged people to "stand up for all freedom-loving people."
