Who is Ruba Almaghtheh? Indiana woman rams car into building trying to attack Jewish school

An Indiana woman is now in custody after what law enforcement officials have described as a deliberate act they label as an act of “terrorism.”

Who is Ruba Almaghtheh?

Ruba Almaghtheh, aged 34, allegedly drove her car into a building in Indianapolis, mistakenly believing it to be a Jewish school. The incident occurred late on a Friday, with several adults and children present inside the targeted building, associated with the Black Hebrew Israelites.

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The motive behind the attack appears to be rooted in Almaghtheh’s offense at a symbol related to the “Hebrew Israelite” faith displayed outside the structure. According to a police report, she openly admitted to her intention of striking the building. Her words upon arrest were purportedly, “Yes. I did it on purpose.” She repeatedly referred to the building as the “Israel school” and made a reference to “her people back in Palestine.”

However, the Israelite School of Universal and Practical Knowledge is, in fact, a sect of the Black Hebrew Israelites, as confirmed by the Anti-Defamation League. It is not associated with mainstream Judaism.

The incident has prompted concern within the Jewish community, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis has reported that Safe Indiana, a Jewish community security program, is collaborating with law enforcement to investigate the matter. In a statement, the federation emphasized the paramount importance of safety and security for the community, urging vigilance in monitoring suspicious activity and promptly reporting any concerns to the authorities.

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Law enforcement has labeled Ruba Almaghtheh’s actions as those of a “terrorist,” and she has been taken into custody on a preliminary charge of criminal recklessness. Her initial court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday.