A 13-Year-Old Boy Attacked: The Alarming Reality of Rising Antisemitism in New York

The alarming rise in antisemitic violence has once again struck the heart of New York City. In a recent, deeply troubling incident, a 13-year-old Orthodox Jewish boy was assaulted on his way to school in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. As reported by Dion J. Pierre, the young boy was targeted without provocation, facing violence simply for his identity and faith.

According to local Jewish leader Yaacov Behrman, who shared details on social media, the boy arrived at school visibly shaken. Behrman, serving as a liaison for Chabad Headquarters, emphasized that the boy’s parents and the Crown Heights Shomrim—a community group focused on safety and monitoring antisemitism—were promptly informed. This attack follows closely on the heels of another incident just days prior, where a Jewish man was slashed in the face while walking through downtown Brooklyn.

Yisrael Eliashiv, the boy’s teacher, shared an impassioned response, illustrating the deep concern felt within the community. “Smacked [the boy] across the face for no reason other than hate… You have kids who are 13 or 14 and have grown up with the attitude of ‘if you get assaulted in the street, just take it because nothing is gonna be done,’” he expressed, underscoring a collective frustration over the perceived lack of consequences for such heinous acts.

Crown Heights has faced repeated antisemitic attacks, reinforcing a chilling pattern of violence. Data underscores this unsettling reality: New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli's August report revealed that 65% of all felony hate crimes in New York City last year targeted Jewish individuals. A broader analysis by the NYPD highlighted 385 antisemitic hate crimes in the city since October 2023—a period marked by intensified hostility following the Oct. 7 Hamas-led massacre in Israel.

This surge in violence Jewish communities face, not just in New York but across the U.S., are underscored by the FBI’s September report confirming American Jews as the most frequently targeted religious group in the country.

As Christian Women for Israel we must remain vigilant, vocal, and prayerful. Supporting our Jewish brothers and sisters goes beyond acknowledging their struggles—it involves consistent and unyielding prayer, advocacy, and speaking out against any form of hate. 

Call upon your communities, churches and officials to stand against discrimination, antisemitism, and unprovoked violence against Jews.

Source: Jewish Boy Assaulted on Way to School in New York City, Assailant Remain at Large - Algemeiner.com