A Rabbi's Brave Stand Against Hate
In a disturbing incident, a rabbi was violently attacked near his synagogue in Queens.
Details of the Attack
- Location: Near Queens Blvd. and 71st Ave. in Forest Hills
- Time: Around 3 p.m. on Tuesday
- Victim: A 32-year-old rabbi
- Assailant: Eric Zafra-Grosso, 32, from Corona
- Injuries: Minor; treated at the scene
The attacker hurled antisemitic slurs and punched the rabbi before fleeing. Police apprehended the suspect at a nearby subway station.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
- Charges: Assault and aggravated harassment as hate crimes
- Arraignment: Pending as of Wednesday in Queens Criminal Court
Context of the Attack
The incident occurred on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a day dedicated to honoring the six million Jews killed in the Holocaust and other victims of Nazi persecution.
Official Reactions
Mayor Mamdani took to X to condemn the act:
"New Yorkers were confronted with a painful truth: antisemitism is not a thing of the past — it is a present danger that demands action from all of us."
Other officials, including Gov. Kathy Hochul, Sen. Chuck Schumer, and Comptroller Mark Levine, also expressed their outrage. Levine called the attack "yet another sickening reminder of the scale of the hatred we are confronting."
Recent Antisemitic Incidents
- Last Thursday: Two teens arrested for vandalizing a Brooklyn playground with over 50 swastikas.
- 2025 Statistics:
- Antisemitic incidents: Dropped by 3%
- Percentage of hate crimes: 57%
- Jewish population in NYC: Approximately 10%
Despite a 12% decrease in overall hate crimes citywide last year, antisemitic incidents remain a significant issue.
