In this hand out photo, Hasidic music superstar Lipa Schmeltzer from Monsey NY (in gloves) visits burn Victim Aron Rottenberg at the Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, May 25 2011, the man standing next to Schmeltzer is the victims son in law Moshe Elbaum Photo: Worldwide Images

Rockland County, NY - A lawyer for a man who was badly burned at his home in a Hasidic Jewish village is seeking a federal investigation into what he calls “hate crimes” by the community’s religious leadership.

He said the attack evoked “the Ku Klux Klan and Nazi Germany.”

Sussman’s letter dated this past Thursday to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said intolerance has long infected New Square.

Detective Lt. Mark Emma of the Ramapo police said that “there may be federal crimes involved” and that his department would not rule out assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI.

Anti-Defamation League spokesman Todd Gutnick said the organization would await the results of the Ramapo police investigation before commenting.

The state Attorney General’s Office does not have original jurisdiction and can only get involved if it receives a referral from the Governor’s Office, according to state executive law.

The Rockland District Attorney’s Office would have to make the referral to the governor. District Attorney Thomas Zugibe said his office is working with Ramapo police in their investigation.

Meanwhile, According to the Journal News, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer declined comment, spokesman Matt House said,

But Congressman Eliot Engel issued a statement According to Mid Hudson News, calling for justice in the attack on Rottenberg.

Group of devotees enforces obedience to grand rebbe in New Square, residents say

9:38 PM, Jun. 4, 2011  |  

Described as "jihadis" by those who fear them and "hotheads" by some village leaders, the group numbers up to 40 men and boys between the ages of 15 and 35, current and former members of the community told The Journal News.

Ramapo police Sgt. John Lynch said he's aware of the allegations, but that detectives have no proof the young men operate as a unit or that they receive guidance from village leaders.

More than two dozen people spoke to the paper, most on condition they not be named, saying they feared retribution from group members and village leaders who shun mainstream media.

Shaul Spitzer, who is charged with attempted arson and attempted murder in the attack, showed up alone at Aron Rottenberg's house early May 22, according to police.

But locals say the teen is part of a network that defends Grand Rebbe David Twersky's rules with intimidation and violence, terrorizing anyone who would go against him.

"It's like a mafia," said a former yeshiva classmate of Spitzer's, who asked not to be identified. "They make the rebbe like a king and would kill themselves to save the rebbe. They're very dictating people, and they like the action. They act out just to show they own the community."

Spitzer, a cousin of the village's deputy mayor, followed all the rules of New Square and earned the respect of the Skverer Hasidim's spiritual leader, who took the 18-year-old into his home as a live-in assistant.

Aharon Rottenberg Files $18 Million Lawsuit Over Horrific Arson Attack

Aharon Rottenberg, who was the victim of an arson attack, has filed an $18 million lawsuit. Rottenberg claims a campaign of intimidation was orchestrated that led to the arson attack that burned half of his body. He says he was targeted.

Rottenberg is being represented by civil-rights attorney Michael Sussman.

An 18-year-old was arrested for allegedly burning Rottenberg.

Doctors say Rottenberg may be able to be released from Westchester Medical Center sometime this week.

{News12.com/Matzav.com Newscenter}