Indiana Woman Arrested For ‘Purposely’ Driving Car Into Building Owned By Black Hebrew Israelites, Authorities Label It Anti-Semitic Hate Crime

An Indiana woman is in custody after authorities say she drove her car into a building bearing a “Hebrew Israelite” symbol on Nov. 3. Ruba Almaghtheh allegedly backed her car into the institution while several adults and children were inside, believing it to be a Jewish school.

Authorities are labeling the attack a hate crime and are referring to the woman as a “terrorist”, Fox 59 News reported. Almaghtheh is facing a criminal recklessness charge. The building was, in fact, being used as an Israelite School of Universal and Practical Knowledge by Black Hebrew Israelites, who themselves have been labeled an anti-semitic hate group due to their belief that Black people are the “chosen people,” the outlet reported.

The 34-year-old woman reportedly drove by the building multiple times before her attack, referring to it as “the Jewish school.” The Indiana Metro Police Department alleges that Almgahtheh revealed she’d been watching coverage of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and made reference to “her people back in Palestine” before admitting to carrying out the attack “on purpose.”

The Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis was notified by State Indiana, a Jewish community security program, of the incident and asked authorities to remain vigilant as ire towards their community continues to grow.

“Safety and security for our community is of the utmost importance, and we are more secure and prepared than ever before,” Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis officials wrote, according to Fox 59 News.

“Although a Jewish facility was not targeted, solely due to ironic misidentification, this is yet another reminder to maintain security protocols, remain vigilant of suspicious activity, and to (report promptly) to the appropriate authorities.”

Calls for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict continue. According to Al Jazeera, the Gaza Strip’s largest hospital is nearing collapse as bodies and injuries continue to mount, while resources quickly decrease.