Police: Man who set rabbi's house ablaze threatened him in the past

The man accused of setting a rabbi's house on fire was arrested for threatening that same rabbi in the past.

News 12 Staff

Jun 17, 2019, 9:43 PM

Updated 1,790 days ago

Share:

The man accused of setting a rabbi's house on fire was arrested for threatening that same rabbi in the past.
Matthew Karelefsky is accused of starting the fire last Thursday in Midwood. He was arraigned on attempted murder and arson charges Monday.
Records show Pittsburgh police arrested Karelefsky back in 2017. That investigation started after authorities received reports of the suspect making threats against the rabbi on social media, including posting a picture of his tattoo that reads "Never let go of hatred, kill Rabbi Max."
News 12 is told Karelefsky was a student under Max. The rabbi had told police in a statement back in 2017 that Karelefsky was having marital problems. Max advised the couple to separate, and they ended up divorcing, which sparked the vendetta.
Karelefsky was a Pittsburgh resident, but lived in New York at the time, which is what ultimately led to the charges in Pennsylvania being dropped.
The suspected attempt on Max's life left three homes destroyed and more than a dozen people injured.
Karelefsky is being held without bail. There is no word yet on his court appearance.


More from News 12
2:18
Ditmas Park and Kensington parents speak on child care concerns at pre-Mother’s Day event

Ditmas Park and Kensington parents speak on child care concerns at pre-Mother’s Day event

1:55
Rainy morning on Mother’s Day in New York City, tapers by evening

Rainy morning on Mother’s Day in New York City, tapers by evening

1:43
Parade and street fair celebrates Haitian Culture Day in Flatbush Junction

Parade and street fair celebrates Haitian Culture Day in Flatbush Junction

0:18
NYPD: Suspect wanted for stealing from donation box at house of worship in Crown Heights

NYPD: Suspect wanted for stealing from donation box at house of worship in Crown Heights

0:29
High school football players train for game offering scholarships

High school football players train for game offering scholarships

2:44
Bronx professional dancer with medical condition defies the odds to achieve success

Bronx professional dancer with medical condition defies the odds to achieve success

0:55
Bronx Night Market makes its debut in Bronx Week

Bronx Night Market makes its debut in Bronx Week

1:16
NYPD: Bronx man accused in violent Melrose sexual assault arrested; charged with first-degree rape

NYPD: Bronx man accused in violent Melrose sexual assault arrested; charged with first-degree rape

1:23
Light show: Severe solar storm produces spectacular auroras across the tri-state

Light show: Severe solar storm produces spectacular auroras across the tri-state

2:03
Why do Black women have the highest death rate for most cancers? A massive study in underway

Why do Black women have the highest death rate for most cancers? A massive study in underway

1:33
Bronx Borough President Gibson, NYPD host community baby shower

Bronx Borough President Gibson, NYPD host community baby shower

1:07
Bruckner Expressway closures: State urges drivers to use caution near work zones

Bruckner Expressway closures: State urges drivers to use caution near work zones

1:45
NYPD: Driver wanted for hitting 2 women, killing 1 in Bushwick

NYPD: Driver wanted for hitting 2 women, killing 1 in Bushwick

2:21
Grieving father turns to advocacy in name of deceased fiancée

Grieving father turns to advocacy in name of deceased fiancée

0:44
East New York gang leader sentenced to 23 years in prison

East New York gang leader sentenced to 23 years in prison

1:52
NYCHA to cut security guards from dozens of senior buildings

NYCHA to cut security guards from dozens of senior buildings

1:32
CUNY to provide resources for students following FAFSA fiasco

CUNY to provide resources for students following FAFSA fiasco

1:09
Baby changing stations to be installed in all NYC parks bathrooms

Baby changing stations to be installed in all NYC parks bathrooms

1:51
Dyker Heights resident goes from heavy smoker to half marathon runner

Dyker Heights resident goes from heavy smoker to half marathon runner

1:40
NYPD: One woman dead, another injured in hit-and-run in Bushwick

NYPD: One woman dead, another injured in hit-and-run in Bushwick