NYPD probes slew of anti-Semitic attacks during Hanukkah holiday

The NYPD is investigating incidents described as bias attacks during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.

News 12 Staff

Dec 26, 2019, 6:01 PM

Updated 1,575 days ago

Share:

The NYPD is investigating incidents described as bias attacks during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.
One of the attacks took place on Tuesday in Crown Heights.
Police say a group of 10 to 15 people started yelling anti-Jewish slurs at a Jewish man on Kingston Avenue and threw a drink at him.
Also on Tuesday, a 65-year-old man was punched while the attacker yelled anti-Semitic slurs on the Upper East Side in Manhattan.
On Monday, police say two young boys, a 6 and a 7-year-old, were beaten and harassed by two assailants.
Elected officials are speaking against the attacks. Councilman Chaim Deutsch tweeted, "We can't even get through the 8 days of Chanukah without a hate crime here in NYC."
Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted in part, "It's not enough to condemn anti-Semitism — we have to confront it."
Members of the Jewish community tell News 12 being under attack, especially during the holiday season, is not an easy one, but that they look toward a brighter future.
"It's just frustrating really, but everything is a miracle and everything we've got to learn from, and from every attack, we can learn something, and we unite even more," says Sophia Serur, a resident.
The NYPD does confirm there was a fourth attack on a Jewish man early Wednesday morning in Borough Park, where the victim was punched in the face. However, right now that has not been deemed a bias incident by investigators.
Councilmember Chaim Deutsch says the most recent anti-Semitic attack happened on Thursday tweeting out, "It's only the fifth night of Chanukah, but we've just had our sixth hate crime of the holiday. This afternoon, a female physically assaulted another woman in Sheepshead Bay, while referring to her as a "f*****g Jew". TY @NYPD61Pct & @NYPDHateCrimes for the quick arrest."
He told News 12 this points to a larger problem.
Some members of the Jewish community in Crown Heights – where one of those attacks happened - say people are looking over their shoulders.


More from News 12
2:00
Coney Island NYCHA residents weigh funding options to make building repairs

Coney Island NYCHA residents weigh funding options to make building repairs

2:08
Early-morning patchy fog, cool and cloudy weather for Friday

Early-morning patchy fog, cool and cloudy weather for Friday

1:09
Park Slope eatery boasts 'adults only' rule

Park Slope eatery boasts 'adults only' rule

2:04
Health care workers, community hold prayer to call for SUNY Downstate to stay open

Health care workers, community hold prayer to call for SUNY Downstate to stay open

1:47
Brooklyn students present their social justice solutions on varying issues in national competition

Brooklyn students present their social justice solutions on varying issues in national competition

2:02
Doody’s Home Center announces its closing

Doody’s Home Center announces its closing

1:51
Vendors rally to demand accessible vendor licenses and permits after DSNY crackdowns

Vendors rally to demand accessible vendor licenses and permits after DSNY crackdowns

2:11
Bronx Zoo celebrates 125 years of bringing joy to New Yorkers

Bronx Zoo celebrates 125 years of bringing joy to New Yorkers

2:05
Police: 2 men wanted for stealing $2,000 from Bay Ridge store at gunpoint

Police: 2 men wanted for stealing $2,000 from Bay Ridge store at gunpoint

1:58
Explore the seasonal flora and fauna unique to Prospect Park in Brooklyn

Explore the seasonal flora and fauna unique to Prospect Park in Brooklyn

0:25
Police: Person of interest in custody following bomb squad investigation in Midwood

Police: Person of interest in custody following bomb squad investigation in Midwood

1:44
Dyker Heights elementary school students send letters and care packages to at-risk military veterans

Dyker Heights elementary school students send letters and care packages to at-risk military veterans

0:24
NYPD: Man walks into East Flatbush hospital, dies from gunshot wounds

NYPD: Man walks into East Flatbush hospital, dies from gunshot wounds

0:23
Man hospitalized following brutal stabbing in Brownsville, police say

Man hospitalized following brutal stabbing in Brownsville, police say

0:23
Spring Arrival: Hummingbirds heading to New York

Spring Arrival: Hummingbirds heading to New York

1:34
NYPD says new campaign has lowered crime citywide; some New Yorkers don’t buy it

NYPD says new campaign has lowered crime citywide; some New Yorkers don’t buy it

2:18
Landlord battling pancreatic cancer fighting to evict squatter

Landlord battling pancreatic cancer fighting to evict squatter

2:10
NYS Federation of Taxi Drivers offer $5,000 reward after string of carjackings and robberies

NYS Federation of Taxi Drivers offer $5,000 reward after string of carjackings and robberies

2:09
Federal civil rights complaint filed against NYC Public Schools Athletic League

Federal civil rights complaint filed against NYC Public Schools Athletic League

1:37
Affordable housing projects coming to Boerum Hill

Affordable housing projects coming to Boerum Hill