A rabbi was assaulted on a New York City street Tuesday afternoon, coinciding with International Holocaust Remembrance Day, in what officials described as a targeted antisemitic attack.
The incident occurred shortly before 3 p.m. at an intersection in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Queens, according to the New York City Police Department.
Police said the 32-year-old victim was approached by an individual who made antisemitic remarks. Following a verbal confrontation, the suspect allegedly punched the victim in the chest and face. The victim, later identified by community leaders as a rabbi, sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene.
Officers arrested the suspect, identified as Eric Zafra-Grosso, 32, of Queens. He has been charged with hate crime assault, hate crime aggravated harassment, and assault causing injury.
Elected officials representing the district issued a joint statement condemning the attack, calling it a targeted act of hate and emphasizing that antisemitism has no place in the community or anywhere in New York City.
“No one should ever fear for their safety because of their religion, identity, or beliefs,” the statement said, noting concern over the rising number of antisemitic incidents locally and nationwide. The officials said the timing of the attack, occurring on Holocaust Remembrance Day, underscored the urgency of confronting hate before it escalates into violence.
City data show an increase in reported hate crimes. According to the NYPD, 22 hate crimes were reported in New York City between the start of the year and Jan. 25. Antisemitic incidents accounted for more than half of all reported hate crimes during the first quarter of 2025, according to a recent report.
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said he was disturbed by the attack, expressing relief that the rabbi was not seriously injured and thanking police for their response. He warned that antisemitism remains a growing threat and called for stronger efforts to combat hate.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also condemned the assault, saying the incident highlighted that antisemitism remains a present danger. He said the city stands with its Jewish residents and remains committed to addressing hate-motivated violence.