Who Is Marla Bonilla Hernandez? The Woman Who Attacked a Jewish Family at American Dream Mall
A shocking video of a woman verbally and physically assaulting a Jewish family at the American Dream Mall in New Jersey has gone viral on social media, sparking outrage and condemnation from many people. The woman, who has been identified as Marla Bonilla Hernandez, can be seen hurling anti-Semitic slurs and spitting at the family, who were wearing kippahs and tzitzit, traditional Jewish garments. She also tries to hit them with her purse and kicks their shopping bags.
The incident occurred on December 31, 2023, around 4 p.m., when the family was leaving the mall after celebrating their son’s birthday. They were approached by Hernandez, who started yelling at them and accusing them of being “dirty Jews” and “murderers”. She also claimed that she was a “real Jew” and that they were “fake Jews”.
The family tried to ignore her and walk away, but she followed them and continued to harass them. She also threatened to call the police and report them for “stealing her money”. She said that she had a receipt that proved that they had taken her money, but she never showed it to anyone.
The family recorded the encounter on their phone and later posted it on Twitter, where it quickly gained attention and sympathy from many users. They also reported the incident to the mall security and the police, who arrived at the scene and arrested Hernandez. She was charged with bias intimidation, aggravated assault, and harassment.
Who is Marla Bonilla Hernandez?
According to public records, Marla Bonilla Hernandez is a 38-year-old woman who lives in Newark, New Jersey. She has a history of mental health issues and criminal charges, including drug possession, theft, and assault. She has also been involved in several lawsuits, mostly related to unpaid debts and rent.
Hernandez claims to be a “Black Hebrew Israelite”, a religious group that believes that they are the true descendants of the ancient Israelites and that the Jews are impostors. The group has been labeled as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, a civil rights organization that monitors extremist groups in the United States. The group is known for its anti-Semitic, anti-white, and anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and actions.
East Rutherford, NJ -a Jewish family of four, including a 12-year-old & a 16-year-old, faced verbal and physical assault at the American Dream Mall.
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) January 2, 2024
The 16-year-old daughter, donning an IDF sweatshirt, endured offensive screams, such as "you're a whore, your mother is a whore,… pic.twitter.com/EiXKkwkKGm
Hernandez has posted several videos on her YouTube channel, where she expresses her views and beliefs. She also calls herself “Queen Marla” and “The Lioness of Judah”. She often wears a headscarf and a Star of David necklace. She also claims to have a “divine mission” and a “spiritual connection” with God.
How did the Jewish community react?
The Jewish community in New Jersey and beyond has expressed its solidarity and support for the family that was attacked by Hernandez. They have also denounced the incident as a hate crime and a manifestation of the rising anti-Semitism in the country.
Rabbi Avi Schnall, the director of Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey office, said that he was “horrified and disgusted” by the incident. He also praised the family for their “courage and dignity” in the face of such “vile and violent” behavior.
Rabbi David-Seth Kirshner, the president of the New Jersey Board of Rabbis, said that he was “saddened and outraged” by the incident. He also urged the authorities to prosecute Hernandez to the fullest extent of the law and to send a clear message that such acts of hatred and bigotry will not be tolerated.
Rabbi Moshe Hauer, the executive vice president of the Orthodox Union, said that he was “appalled and sickened” by the incident. He also called for more education and awareness about the history and diversity of the Jewish people and their contributions to society.
What can we learn from this incident?
This incident is a reminder that anti-Semitism is still a serious and prevalent problem in our society, and that we need to stand up and speak out against it whenever and wherever we see it. It is also a reminder that we need to respect and embrace the diversity and dignity of all people, regardless of their race, religion, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation.
We can also learn from the example of the family that was attacked, who showed remarkable restraint and resilience in the face of such hatred and violence. They did not respond with anger or violence, but with grace and compassion. They also did not let the incident ruin their celebration of their son’s birthday, but instead focused on the positive and the joyous aspects of their lives.
We can also learn from the example of the many people who expressed their support and solidarity for the family, who showed that there is more love than hate in this world, and that we are stronger when we stand together. They also showed that there is no place for anti-Semitism or any other form of discrimination or intolerance in our society, and that we will not let it divide us or diminish us.
