Congressman Bob Turner (Getty)

Congressman Bob Turner released a press release earlier this afternoon regarding the hate crime that took place in Flatbush early this morning leaving three cars torched and anti-Semitic graffiti scrawled on nearby benches. The crime occurred outside his district, but Congressman Turner is never shy about seeking goodwill in the Jewish community.  

“These anti-Semitic acts of vandalism and arson are appalling and unacceptable. We cannot allow acts like this to take place in our communities. The individuals who did this should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Congressman Turner said.

Congressman Turner doesn’t represent Flatbush, but his perch in the 9th Congressional District boasts a large Jewish population and the Catholic Congressman managed to win September’s special election to replace disgraced former Congressman Anthony Weiner by aggressively courting the Jewish vote. Since then, he has continued to pay a great deal of attention to Jewish issues.

“I have been a member of this community my entire life and know that it is one of tolerance and understanding; A community that prides itself on its rich Jewish history and interfaith cooperation. New York is a tremendous melting pot of people of all races and faiths and we are proud of that tradition,” Congressman Turner said.

Congressman Turner lives South of Flatbush in the predominantly Irish neighborhood of Breezy Point. It was not immediately clear which community he was referring to in his statement about the arson.