The State Court of Appeals ruled unanimously Tuesday that a man convicted of attempting to bomb a Bronx synagogue in 2000 committed a hate crime, even though violence was not directed at a person.

The court was considering the penalty against Mazin Assi, seen above center, who is currently serving five to 15 years in prison.

Prosecutors say Assi and three others threw homemade bombs through the door on the eve of Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, but the explosives did not ignite.

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