A middle-aged Israeli visitor to New York City was violently attacked in broad daylight while walking toward a kosher deli in Midtown Manhattan, an incident that authorities are not officially investigating as a hate crime at this time, though the nature of the assault suggests a religious motive.
According to law enforcement sources, the 59-year-old victim was heading toward Mr. Broadway on West 38th Street near Seventh Avenue when a male stranger approached him, asked, “What the f-k is your religion?”, then forcibly removed his yarmulke, threw it to the ground, and spat on it before punching him in the face. The victim suffered bruising, facial lacerations, and internal bleeding, and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Location and Circumstances
The incident occurred in broad daylight, near one of Manhattan’s busiest commercial areas, making the attack particularly shocking. Witnesses reportedly called the police while the assailant fled the scene. Surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts have been collected as part of the ongoing investigation.
Obviously Antisemitic
While the attacker’s comments and actions—specifically targeting the victim’s yarmulke—suggest a clear antisemitic motive, law enforcement has not yet classified the case as a hate crime. The NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force is reviewing the incident as part of the broader investigation but has not made any public statements confirming that designation.
Broader Context
The attack is the latest in a string of violent incidents targeting visibly Jewish individuals in New York and other major U.S. cities. Community leaders have expressed deep concern over the normalization of antisemitic rhetoric and physical assaults against Jewish residents and visitors. This trend has been exacerbated by inflammatory public discourse and online hate speech that has surged in recent years.
Video of the Incident
Video footage of the assault has circulated widely across social media, showing the attacker confronting the victim before striking him. The footage, captured in the middle of the day near a kosher restaurant, can be viewed here on Instagram.
Personal Reflection
As someone who’s worked most of my career in Midtown Manhattan, and who currently works around the corner from Mr. Broadway, this is particularly frightening for me and the many other Jews who work and visit the area. This neighborhood has many kosher restaurants, Jewish-owned businesses, and a visibly Jewish workforce. Our safety is not guaranteed and shouldn’t be taken for granted.
Call to Action
The incident highlights the need for vigilance among community members and allies. Individuals are encouraged to stay aware of their surroundings, travel in groups when possible, and report any suspicious or threatening behavior immediately to law enforcement.
It also underscores the importance of civic engagement. Voters are urged to participate in upcoming elections at every level of government to help ensure that leadership prioritizes the safety and protection of Jewish communities, combats hate speech, and enforces accountability against antisemitic violence.
Sources:
- Daily Mail – Jewish tourist assaulted outside NYC deli
- JNS – NYC police investigating assault of Israeli tourist
- YouTube – Video report of assault
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