On Wednesday, police and prosecutors reported an incident where a rabbi was verbally and physically assaulted on Holocaust Remembrance Day. The attack occurred as the rabbi, a 32-year-old member of the Bukharian Jewish community and wearing a yarmulke, was walking near the intersection of Queens Boulevard and 71st Street at around 3 p.m. on Tuesday.
Authorities stated that a stranger confronted him, shouting anti-Semitic slurs. This led to a confrontation, as the rabbi was reportedly heading to his place of worship.
As the situation escalated, the assailant punched the rabbi in both the chest and the face, causing him to fall to the ground. Luckily, police said the rabbi suffered only minor injuries and received treatment on the scene.
Quickly responding to the incident, police—assisted by the Shomrim Queens Safety Patrol—apprehended a suspect, 32-year-old Eric Zahra Grosso, at a nearby subway station. He has been charged with two counts of assault, including one as a hate crime, and one count of aggravated harassment.
Having no prior arrests, Zahra Grosso was released under supervision during his arraignment after a judge opted against the prosecution’s request for a $40,000 bail. He is set to reappear in court on March 16 and faces a potential sentence of up to four years if convicted on the most serious charge.
Queens Assemblywoman Melinda Katz commented on the rising anti-Semitic acts, vowing to use all available resources to hold offenders accountable and ensure that the community remains safe for everyone.
Local officials, including Representative Grace Meng and State Senators Joe Addabbo and Leroy Comrie, expressed outrage at the attacks occurring in their district, emphasizing that such targeted hate has no place in New York City.
Mayor Zoran Mamdani expressed his horror at the event, recognizing that anti-Semitism remains a current threat that the community must address collectively. He underscored his administration’s commitment to eradicating hatred.
City Comptroller Mark Levine also condemned the assault, labeling it a stark reminder of the persistent levels of hatred that threaten the community, urging everyone to unite against such acts.
