A would-be arsonist was caught on video trying unsuccessfully to set fire to an American and Israeli flag hanging outside a kosher eatery in New York City.
The hateful act was captured on CCTV, and the NYPD announced Friday that it was searching for a suspect and investigating the incident as a hate crime.
Video shows the brazen suspect standing on a chair outside Falafel Crunch in Upper Manhattan on February 24th at around 2:50 p.m. The pita shop is located on Amsterdam Avenue and is home to Jewish It’s almost 100 years old, about a block from Yeshiva University, an institution of higher learning.
The suspect is seen attempting to set the flag on fire before attempting to tear it down (inset). (New York City Police Department)
Pro-Palestinian protesters set fire to Israeli flags and trample missing Israeli flyers in New York City
Grab a lighter and an aerosol can and spray flames at the flag.
However, the flames did not reach the flag and he tried to jump onto the small table again, but the table rotated and he quickly lost his balance.
The suspect jumped off the table while grabbing both flags, which could be seen breaking and falling to the ground. (New York City Police Department)
According to a survey, 42% of Americans admit to having a friend or family member who “hates Jews” or supports Hamas.
He then jumps off the table while grabbing both flags, but they are seen breaking and falling to the ground.
The suspect then fled northbound on Amsterdam Avenue in a black sedan, police said.
The suspect is described as having a fair complexion and a thin build, between the ages of 18 and 25.
He is approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall and was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants, and white sneakers.
The suspect is described as having a fair complexion and a thin build, between the ages of 18 and 25. (New York City Police Department)
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The incident is being investigated by the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
In November, pro-Palestinian protesters were seen burning Israeli flags on the streets of New York City and tearing up posters aimed at finding people kidnapped by Hamas terrorists inside Israel.
Jews in the United States have become targets of anti-Semitic hatred since Israel stepped up its response to Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attacks.
