Police Separate Two Factions Of Satmar Chasidim When Battle For Control Erupts In A Synagogue

A confrontation erupted yesterday at a Williamsburg synagogue that has been at the center of a long and bitter feud for control of the Satmar Hasidic sect.
At least one person was injured in a face off between hundreds of members of two factions at Congregation Yetev Lev D'Satmar. Some Chasidim complained they were roughed up by cops while praying, something police denied.
Police had to separate several people inside and outside the synagogue at 152 Rodney St. Police estimated the crowd was from 500 to more than 1,000 people.
Police eventually restored order, and many of the upstate faction retreated to a nearby tent where they have been praying.
Although no one was arrested, one person was treated at Long Island University Hospital for a slap to the face, police said. They added that seven security people aligned with the upstate Kiryas Yoel faction were issued summonses for not having watchmen's licenses.
Tensions escalated after a group from Orange County, who had arrived Monday night, dorced them selfs in to the synagogue yesterday morning, the start of the Simchat Torah holiday.
"They destroyed the synagogue," said the man, who identified himself only as Moshe. "Whatever they could damage, they did."