So many anti-Semitic attacks have happened in New York, particularly Brooklyn, over the past two weeks that it’s getting difficult to keep track.
While you probably heard about the stabbing that took place in a rabbi’s home during Chanukah in Monsey, you’ve probably missed the many attacks that have happened since, particularly aimed at Hasidic young men.
On New Year’s day, a 22-year-old man was attacked in Williamsburg, Brooklyn by two people who threw his cellphone to the ground and punched him in the throat. One of his assailants yelled,
“Fuck you, Jew! I will kill you Jew!”
That same day, a teen boy was chased by two teenagers who proceeded to grab his cellphone and threw it in his face. He was later taken to the hospital.
On December 31, 2019, two men threatened a 15-year-old boy with knives while on a bus in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. They yelled anti-Semitic slurs at him and stole his yarmulke.
All these attacks happened within the span of two days and don’t even include the dozen or so other attacks that have occurred in the past two weeks. According to the New York Post, there have been at least 13 attacks as of January 1.
The surge of attacks inspired many Jews to share their stories of anti-Semitism on Twitter, but things took a dark turn when some started to use the platform for racism aimed at black people.
In response to the rise of hate crimes, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that there will be an “enhanced patrol presence” in Jewish neighborhoods.
On a personal note, I happen to live in a Hasidic neighborhood in Brooklyn and have not yet noticed any presence of law enforcement.
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