Jewish Man Assaulted by Stranger Shouting Anti-Semitic Slur

NEW YORK, NY - A 65-year-old Jewish man was assaulted in Central Park on July 27 when a stranger shouted “Hitler was right!” and spat in his face, according to the New York Police Department. 

This happened around 4:10 p.m. as the victim was exiting a park. The attacker, described as a homeless man, stormed up to the victim, yanked down his surgical mask, and asked, “Should I slap you or punch you?” before spitting in his face. The suspect then fled the scene. 

The victim was rattled but unharmed. The NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating the attack.

Police released surveillance footage of the suspect, who was wearing sunglasses, a bucket hat, black pants, and a multi-colored shirt. He was carrying several bags, including two large bags and a backpack, with two metal water bottles hanging around his neck.

This attack is part of a larger trend, as hate crimes against Jews in New York City have spiked. As of Sunday, the NYPD reported 240 hate crimes against Jews this year, a 73% increase from the 138 incidents recorded at the same time last year. 

Statewide, hate crimes against Jews have surged by 89% between 2018 and 2023, according to a recent study released by New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. Last year, 44% of all recorded hate crimes in New York targeted Jewish victims.