Forshay Rebbe to Deliver Invocation at Cuomo's State of the State Address

Albany – The rebbe whose house in Monsey was the scene of one of the worst anti-Semitic violence in years was tapped by Gov. Andrew Cuomo to deliver the opening blessing at his annual address Wednesday afternoon.

Rav Chaim Leibish Rottenberg, the Kossoner rebbe of Forshay Road, will give the Invocation at the State of the State address in Albany, Rabbi Yisroel Kahan tweeted.

After the address, at 4 p.m., the rebbe will speak to the media for the first time since the stabbing attack on Chanukah, which injured five of his congregants. The press conference will be at his residence, 47 Forshay Road in Monsey.

One of the injured is still hospitalized and is in critical condition. The family of Yohosef ben Perel Neumann said that doctors have little hope for his recovery.

Grafton Thomas of Orange County has been arrested for the attack.

Cuomo has said he will propose in his address making attacks meant to instill fear in protected groups a class of domestic terrorism.