Orthodox Man Beaten In Apparent Hate Crime On Bedford Avenue, Gravesend Neck Road

An Orthodox Jewish man was assaulted on Friday by a gang of thugs following Sabbath services, Councilman Michael Nelson has told Sheepshead Bites.

In a press release expressing shock and outrage over a recent spate of anti-Semitic vandalism in Jewish communities across Brooklyn, Nelson described the assault that happened in his own district. In the release, Nelson was joined by other local elected condemning the attack.

The NYPD’s Hate Crimes Unit is investigating the assault.

Here’s the relevant portion of the release:

“The man was brutally assaulted simply because he is a Jew.” A band of 5 or 6 perpetrators accosted the individual on Bedford Avenue & Neck Road in Sheepshead Bay, called him a “Kike” and a “dirty Jew,” and then two of them proceeded to pummel him with their fists leaving the man injured with a black eye and other contusions.

“I am speechless that such acts of hate and violence, which harken back to what the Nazis did, are occurring right here in communities that boldly pride themselves on their rich diversity,” Councilman Nelson asserted. “We are a civilized society and must not tolerate hate crimes of any kind,” stressed Nelson. “Anti-Semitism is not just an attack on members of the Jewish faith; it is an attack on everyone. We must therefore ALL stand united to tackle this problem in a way that discourages such reprehensible, cowardly acts,” Nelson asserted.

“I will not tolerate this kind of behavior in our neighborhood. I am pleased that the NYPD has agreed to our demand for increase patrols and thank Shomrim for stepping up their presence, as well. We are going to both nip this in the bud and bring these thugs to justice,” said Councilman Lew Fidler.

“These incidents are under investigation by the NYPD Hate Crimes Unit,” stated Councilman Michael C. Nelson.

“I am appalled by this reprehensible action of Anti-Semitism. This bias incident will not be tolerated, and we ask individuals with information to please come forward and call the Confidential NYPD TIPS LINE at 1-800-577-TIPS,” said Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein upon hearing about Friday night’s attack.