By Karen Frantz
Several silver religious artifacts were stolen from the Young Israel of Queens Valley in Kew Gardens Hills last week by a man who came in during prayer services, the synagogue’s executive director said Thursday,
Security video recordings of the synagogue show a white man wearing a white shirt and gray pants entering the building, going directly to the basement where the items were kept and leaving holding a full plastic bag, according to George Srolovits. the director. He said it is possible to make out the outline of the silver items in the bag.
The synagogue is located at 141-55 77th Avenue.
Srolovits said two silver rimonim ornaments and a silver breastplate and ritual pointer, traditionally used to adorn the Torah, were missing and believed stolen. He estimated the total cost of the items to be $3,000 to $4,000.
“They have monetary as well as sentimental value,” Srolovits said.
Reach reporter Karen Frantz by e-mail at kfrantz@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4538.
