The CHJCC Releases Statement on Recent Hate Crime Incident

The Community Council expresses deep concern over the recent violent attack that occurred in our neighborhood on Friday night. At approximately 2:00 AM, a visiting yeshiva student was brutally stabbed by an assailant who had been shouting hateful, pro-Palestinian epithets. Thank G-d, the victim, who sustained injuries just centimeters from his heart, is expected to make a full recovery, and our thoughts and prayers are with him during his healing process.

The swift intervention of community residents led to the immediate apprehension and arrest of the suspect, who has been arraigned on charges of attempted murder and other offenses, charged as a hate crime. The Community Council acknowledges the bravery of those who intervened, despite the personal risk involved.

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing threat of antisemitism and the dangerous consequences of inflammatory rhetoric. We urge all parties to consider the impact of their words, as such language can incite individuals to commit acts of violence.

The Community Council is in close contact with law enforcement agencies and commends their prompt action in bringing the perpetrator to justice. We thank the New York Police Department for the quick apprehension of the attacker and the District Attorney’s office for charging him with attempted murder as a hate crime.

The Mayor’s Office has committed resources to monitor the police response and protect the community. As Mayor Eric Adams has emphasized, “Hate has no place in New York City,” and the Community Council echoes this sentiment. We call on all community members, leaders, and public figures to reject hate speech in all its forms and to promote unity and respect.

The Community council is available to assist anyone in need of victim services or counseling.

As our community processes this shocking event, particularly on the eve of Tisha B’Av, we encourage everyone to remain calm and continue to proudly display our Jewish faith. In the spirit of “Ahavas Yisrael,” we must support the victim and his family and strengthen our bonds with one another through acts of goodness and kindness. The Community Council reaffirms our commitment to working towards a future where everyone can live free from fear and violence.

May our community, and communities around the world, experience peace and security.

Sincerely,

The Board of Directors of the CHJCC

Berel Hildeshaim – Chairman

Shmuel Rosenstien – Vice Chairman

Meir New – Treasurer

Yitzie Kamman – Secretary

Zalman Friedman

Dovid Halon