SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – A group of University of Michigan students and a Metro Detroit rabbi were held at gunpoint during an attempted robbery at a Rosh Hashanah gathering in Southfield.
Southfield police told Local 4 that a masked man came in through the back door and said he was taking everything.
The incident occurred Wednesday (Oct. 2) night at a home on Hilton Street near the intersection of 10 Mile and Greenfield roads just off I-696.
Luckily, no one was injured, but it had to be terrifying.
Neighbors said it doesn’t happen often in their neighborhood, and people are worried.
Southfield police said they have identified the person responsible and are working to bring him into custody.
Residents in the Southfield neighborhood are continuing with their celebration of the Jewish holiday, Rosh Hashanah, after the armed robbery at the rabbi’s home.
Southfield police say just after 10:30 p.m., the man armed with a gun entered through the back door and said to the group inside celebrating, “I’m taking everything; give me everything.”
Fortunately, no one was hurt, but officials say the incident appeared to be a crime of opportunity, but the investigation was ongoing.
“Whether it is Rosh Hashanah, which it is right now, Yom Kippur, whatever Jewish holiday that’s going on, you always see parties, and it’s festive,” said Deanna Luke. “But, never would I ever seen or would’ve thought something like this would have happened.”
The University of Michigan says the group were students at the rabbi’s home at the time.
University of Michigan President Santa Ono sent a letter to students, faculty, and staff on Thursday.
“This past year, there have been innumerable events locally and globally that have felt overwhelming and unsettling to many in our community. As tensions in the Middle East have escalated in recent days, it is more important than ever that we work collectively to offer solace and safety to one another.”
University of Michigan President Santa Ono
Due to the holiday, none of the Jewish residents I spoke to in the neighborhood wanted to talk on camera. One man told Local 4 off-camera he believed the incident was isolated.
