Man who helped stop Monsey stabber refuses £15K reward from ‘Zionist’ groups
Joseph Gluck turned down cash reward from the Jewish Federation of Rockland County and the Anti-Defamation League, because he believes they don't represent the Charedi community
Joseph Gluck received a £15,000 ($20,000) reward for his role in apprehending the suspected Monsey synagogue stabber.
But it didn’t come from two Jewish groups that had offered the award for information leading to an arrest.
Gluck told News 12 Brooklyn last week that after consulting with his rabbi, he decided to reject the money from the “Zionist organisations” — the Jewish Federation of Rockland County and the Anti-Defamation League — because they don’t represent the beliefs and values of his Charedi community.
“I was not willing to offer my soul for £15,000 ($20,000). My identity for $20,000 was not for sale,” he told News 12.
Gluck’s rabbi instead raised that amount from “people who were inspired by his actions,” according to the report.
Rabbi Dovid Feldman explained to News 12 that the ADL and Jewish federation were about to issue a statement “to encourage and promote the Zionist idea of Jewish self-defence, of fighting back, of fighting our enemies, which happens to be contrary to our tradition.”
The check was presented to Gluck at a ceremony Thursday night in the Brooklyn neighbourhood of Williamsburg.
Gluck, 32, of Monsey, threw a table at the alleged attacker during a Hanukkah party at a rabbi’s home and chased him outside, then wrote down his license plate number. Police used the license information to apprehend Grafton Thomas, 37, who has been indicted on six attempted murder charges. One of the victims was seriously injured. The stabbings also carry a federal hate crimes charge.
Thomas denies stabbing anyone, and his family says he suffers from mental illness.
In January, Gluck was awarded the New York State Senate’s highest honour, the Liberty Medal.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
