Assault on Jewish Man Walking to Brooklyn Synagogue Investigated by NYPD as Hate Crime

An investigation has been opened by the New York Police Department’s Hate Crimes Division after a Jewish man was physically assaulted and robbed by two assailants while walking to synagogue in Brooklyn early Friday morning.

The 41-year-old victim was punched in the face several times and had his bag and prayer shawl stolen during the incident.

Both of the assailants wore hoods and masks during the attack, which took place near 1910 New York Avenue before 6 A.M.

Blood was seen on the ground afterward.

The HCTF is investigating a Robbery, that occurred at approx. 5:45 AM this morning, of a male walking to Synagogue, in the vicinity of 1910 New York Ave in Brooklyn @NYPD63Pct. Anyone with information is asked to DM @NYPDTips or☎️1-800-577-TIPS. pic.twitter.com/eDcz6BkRsE

— NYPD Hate Crimes (@NYPDHateCrimes) July 16, 2021

Surveillance footage of the incident was published by Shomrim, a private Orthodox Jewish security patrol.

This pair viciously assaulted and robbed a local resident on his way to Shul this morning. His Tefillin were ultimately recovered by our volunteers.#Shomrim is offering a $1k reward for info leading to arrests – call @NYPD63Pct 911 and our hotline 718-338-9797 with any info. pic.twitter.com/i800Fvyjts

— Flatbush Shomrim Safety Patrol (@FlatbushShomrim) July 16, 2021

Speaking at a Shabbat service last month at the Park East Synagogue in Manhattan, New York City Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said that about 35% of the more than 300 hate crimes investigated by the NYPD this year had been deemed antisemitic.

In May, during the flare-up of Israel-Gaza violence, New York City experienced several violent antisemitic incidents, including the beating of a Jewish man by pro-Palestinian demonstrators near Times Square and a fireworks attack in the Diamond District.