Synagogue bombers get 35 years

Synagogue bombers get 35 years

Aakash Dalal being escorted from the courtroom after receiving a 35-year jail sentence for terrorism and hate crimes. (Larry Yudelson)
Aakash Dalal being escorted from the courtroom after receiving a 35-year jail sentence for terrorism and hate crimes. (Larry Yudelson)

Anthony Graziano and Aakash Dalal were each sentenced to 35 years in prison this afternoon.

Judge Joseph Isabella announced the sentences to a packed courtroom. An overflow crowd watched the proceedings on a video hookup in a second courtroom.

The two men were sentenced for their attacks on five Bergen County synagogues in December 2011 and January 2012.
Before the sentence, attorneys for the defendants made their case for leniency — which would have meant 30 years, the minimum the state terrorism statute allows.

Mr. Graziano read an apology and a plea for leniency. So did his mother, who apologized to the Jewish community emotionally.

“I didn’t raise him like that,” she said.

Mr. Dalal’s family were present in the courtroom, but they and their son declined to speak.

The prosecution argued for a sentence of 45 years.

Two people spoke on behalf of the victims and by extension the community. They were included Rabbi Arthur Weiner of the Jewish Community Center of Paramus — Mr. Graziano and Mr. Dalal planned but aborted an arson attack on his synagogue — and Pessy Schuman, who was rebbetzin of Congregation Beth El in Rutherford when firebombs were thrown through her window.

The sentences included 32 years for the terrorism charges, to be served concurrently with 15 years for the arson attacks, including one against Khal Adas Yeshurun of Paramus, and 20 years for bias crimes in connection with the three arsons. Three years were added on for the two graffiti attacks — against Temple Beth Israel in Maywood and Temple Beth El in Hackensack — which were not included in the terrorism charges.

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