The leader of a pro-Israel Democratic group accused anti-Israel mobs of “crossing the line” and committing violence during a protest in Manhattan on Monday, the one-year anniversary of Hamas' Oct. 7 terrorist attack.
Todd Richman, co-chairman of the Israel Democratic Majority Party, issued the statement a day after demonstrators swarmed him during a demonstration that ultimately turned violent and left him bloodied.
“Thank you to everyone who reached out to check on me. Rest assured, I'm fine,” he said in a statement released by the group on Tuesday.
“As Americans, we have the right to protest, but yesterday, on the one-year anniversary of the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust, pro-Hamas activists in New York City crossed the line.”
As Richman stood among a wave of anti-Israel demonstrators, a mob instigator placed a tambourine to his ear and repeatedly struck him before raising an Israeli flag. According to footage on social media.
The protesters then ripped the flag from Richman's hands and tried to attack him in the face, but Richman stopped him.
One of the protesters wearing a keffiyeh then hit him with a tambourine, causing his nose to bleed.
Authorities then broke up the brawl.
“Pro-Israel Americans should be able to walk freely and without fear on the streets of New York,” he said Tuesday.
“What happened was unacceptable, but it made me even more determined.”
Richman said he is grateful for the support he has received from New York Governor Kathy Hochul and countless city, state and federal legislators.
He also said that “the support of so many strangers touched me deeply.”
“I am deeply grateful to the NYPD and the City of New York State for their quick response in getting me to safety and attending to my medical needs,” Richman said.
The Democratic Majority for Israel, established in 2019, is an organization within the Democratic Party that promotes pro-Israel policies.
“We are proud Americans who believe that democratic values are what is best for America, including support for a strong U.S.-Israel relationship,” the group says on its website.
