The NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating a car threat incident outside the Midwood Synagogue

The NYPD has announced that its hate crimes task force will investigate an incident outside a synagogue in Midwood on Thursday.

According to police, a van threatened three people who were crossing the street as they tried to enter the Shaare Shalom Synagogue. He shouted anti-Semitic remarks and tried to dodge into the crowd before stopping at the last moment and fleeing.

Witnesses told News 12 they were undeterred by the event and held a full Shabbat service Friday, with a large police and security presence outside the area.

Those in attendance declined to be named but told News 12 they appreciated the police presence and hoped it could act as a deterrent against future incidents.

Members told News 12 they were glad a hate crimes unit was being brought in to investigate and that they hoped justice could be served.

The incident occurred just four days before the first anniversary of the October 7 attacks.

According to the NYPD, in the year since the attacks, 275 anti-Semitic iNIncidents were reported to police, an increase of 100 incidents compared to the previous year.