By 5 Towns Central Staff

ELMHURST, N.Y. (July 28, 2026) — Quick intervention by security personnel and staff prevented a potentially dangerous situation at a frum day camp on Tuesday after an unauthorized individual entered the facility’s grounds.

According to a letter sent to parents by administrators at Ohr Avner Day Camp at JIQ, an unfamiliar individual who appeared distressed entered the campus grounds while campers were playing outside under counselor supervision. The man lay down on the lawn and requested water. Camp counselors immediately offered assistance while keeping close watch over the children.

Staff members quickly noticed the individual had a hammer in his possession. A staff member calmly asked the man to surrender the tool, which he relinquished without resistance. However, as campers began exiting the facility to board buses for a scheduled outing, the man abruptly stood up and attempted to push his way past several children toward the building entrance. During the brief commotion, one camper, an 8-year-old, was pushed against a fence and suffered an injury, receiving immediate medical attention.

The facility’s security officer, identified as Anthony, stepped in immediately to restrain the intruder before he could access the building interior, B’chasdei hashem. He held the individual at the scene until officers from the New York City Police Department arrived and took the suspect, a 42-year-old, into custody. Camp leadership praised the security guard and staff for their rapid, professional response in keeping the campers safe.

Camp officials noted that current information suggests the event was entirely random rather than a targeted threat against the facility or its campers. Mental health support resources are being provided to assist any children who may feel impacted by the event.

Regarding the incident, Teach Coalition CEO Sydney Altfield released the following statement:

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the children, families, and staff affected by today’s incident at the summer camp held on the campus of a Jewish school.

Incidents like this are a sobering reminder that protecting our communities requires constant vigilance and continued investment in security. While the motive has not been confirmed, the fear felt by Jewish families is real.

Every child deserves to learn, play, and grow in a safe environment. We will continue fighting to ensure our institutions have the resources needed to keep every child and every community member safe.”

Jewish Community Advocate Moshe Spern: “Armed man with a hammer stormed a Jewish day camp at the Lev Leviev School (Queens Gymnasia) in Queens today. He shoved a child into a fence. Heroic counselors tackled him to the ground one was bitten during the struggle. Child and counselor taken to hospital by Queens Hatzalah. Suspect in NYPD custody. Detectives investigating whether this was a hate crime.

Jewish kids can’t even go to summer camp in peace. Share this. Pray for the victims. Demand real answers. NYC Mayor, This is on your watch. Our schools, synagogues, and camps aren’t safe!!”

What does @NYCMayor Mamdani have to say after inspiring these attacks? https://t.co/NpJoefAKIJ

— Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) July 28, 2026

Globalize the Intifada, right @NYCMayor? https://t.co/jHwj7ahY6I

— Dave Rubin (@RubinReport) July 28, 2026

Violence against an 8-year-old child is unconscionable.

I’m relieved the victim is recovering, and my heart is with them, their loved ones, and New York’s Jewish community.

As Governor, I’ll continue doing everything in my power to ensure every New Yorker can live, learn, and… https://t.co/3pzoA05Khk

— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) July 28, 2026