Rabbi Attacked in New York City on Holocaust Remembrance Day

A rabbi was assaulted in New York City on Tuesday, which coincided with International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Local authorities characterized the incident as a “targeted act of hate.”

The New York City Police Department reported that the attack happened just before 3 p.m. at an intersection in Forest Hills, Queens. Officers who responded discovered a 32-year-old male victim, later identified as Ravi by community leaders. He had been approached by an unknown individual who made anti-Semitic remarks. Following a verbal confrontation, the assailant punched him in the chest and face. The victim received treatment for minor injuries, while law enforcement took the suspect into custody.

The police declared the suspect to be Eric Zahra Grosso, 32, from Queens. He faces charges of hate crime assault, aggravated hate crime harassment, and assault causing injury.

Several local leaders, including U.S. Representative Grace Meng and New York State Senators Joseph Addabbo Jr. and Leroy Comrie Jr., issued a statement denouncing the attack. “We are outraged by the anti-Semitic attack that occurred in our district,” they said. “This is a targeted act of hate and has no place in our community or anywhere in New York City.”

The lawmakers emphasized that “No one should fear for their safety because of their religion, identity, or beliefs.” They also expressed deep concern regarding the increasing number of anti-Semitic incidents throughout the city and nation, highlighting that this attack on such a significant day underscores the urgent need to confront hatred before it escalates into violence.

From the beginning of the year through January 25, the NYPD documented 22 hate crimes in New York City. Astonishingly, 62% of those were anti-Semitic incidents, as noted in a report from last month by former New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., expressed his disgust over the incident, particularly on such a meaningful day. He reflected on the importance of remembering the six million Jews lost in the Holocaust and asserted the pressing need to combat the rise of anti-Semitism and hatred in any form. Schumer expressed gratitude that the rabbi was safe and thanked the NYPD for their response.

New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani also shared his shock regarding the attack. He pointed out that on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, it became painfully clear that anti-Semitism is a contemporary threat needing collective action. “Anti-Semitism has no place in our city,” he stated, affirming his solidarity with Jewish New Yorkers and committing to combat this discrimination.