CJP and JCRC today mourn the loss of four people killed during a prolonged shootout yesterday at the JC Kosher Supermarket in Jersey City. The victims were Leah Minda Ferencz, the store’s owner, Miguel Douglas Rodriguez, a store employee, Moshe Deutsch, who was shopping at the time, and Det. Joseph Seals, a 15-year-veteran of Jersey City’s police department. We acknowledge Detective Seals’ bravery and sacrifice. The two shooters were also killed during the firefight.
We are as devastated as we are horrified. The store is the center of a growing Jewish community in Jersey City, located next to a synagogue and yeshiva. We have reached out to the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey to offer our love and support. We pray that the families of the victims find comfort during this unimaginably painful time and we pray for the full recovery of the wounded.
In our close-knit Jewish communal world, many of us have friends and family in Jersey City. These are our brothers and sisters, our friends, our family, and our children.
An investigation into the motives of the shooters is ongoing. At this time, there is no indication that this incident has any direct connection to eastern Massachusetts. More information about CJP’s communal security initiatives can be found here.
May the memories of those who lost their lives be a blessing.
