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Suspect Who Shouted “Raise Your Hand if You’re a Zionist” on NYC Subway Being Sought After by NYPD
Edited by: Fern Sidman
New York City police are searching for a suspect involved in a disturbing incident on a crowded subway train, which occurred following an anti-Semitic demonstration in downtown Manhattan. According to a report that appeared on Thursday in The Algemeiner, the demonstration was held in front of an exhibition commemorating the victims of the deadly October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks. The incident has sparked outrage and concern among Jewish advocacy groups and the broader community.
The anti-Semitic incident took place on the No. 5 train around 8:10 PM on June 10, according to the New York Police Department (NYPD). Witnesses reported that a mob of anti-Israel protesters, many of whom were wearing masks and scarves, commandeered the subway. As was reported by The Algemeiner, the suspect, who was wearing sunglasses, shouted, “Raise your hand if you’re a Zionist” and “This is your chance to get out,” as documented in videos shared on social media.When none of the riders responded, the suspect continued, “Ok, no Zionists. We’re good.”
Nazis take over NYC Subway and send message to all Jews on board.
“Raise your hand if you’re a Zionist
This is your chance to get out”Do you expect us to get out and walk? Not happening
I’d happily raise my hand, take your fucking mask off first.
— Kosher🎗🧡 (@KosherCockney) June 12, 2024
The NYPD has not released the suspect’s name, but the Jewish Future Alliance is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction, The Algemeiner report added. The public can submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).
Earlier that evening, anti-Israel activists gathered outside the exhibit “Nova: Oct. 7 6:29 AM, The Moment Music Stood Still,” which memorializes the 364 victims of the October 7th Hamas terrorist attacks.
The exhibit, which opened on April 21st after a successful 10-week run in Tel Aviv, features testimonies from survivors and a photo gallery of those murdered in the attack. The report in The Algemeiner explained that the initiative aims to raise awareness of the brutality of the attacks and support the victims’ families through the Nova Healing Journey, which provides mental health treatment.
Due to the significant interest and emotional impact of the exhibit, Jewish music executive and organizer Scooter Braun announced via Instagram that the exhibit’s run would be extended until June 22. According to the information provided in The Algemeiner report, Braun cited “overwhelming demand and excitement” as reasons for the extension, ensuring that more people would have the opportunity to engage with the exhibit and its powerful messages.
As per the information provided in The Algemeiner report, the demonstrators lit smoke bombs and flares in the colors of the Palestinian flag and waved flags of the Iranian backed terrorist groups Hamas and Hezbollah, both of which openly seek the destruction of Israel. Chants from the protesters included “There is only one solution: intifada revolution,” “Long live the intifada,” and “Resistance is justified when people are occupied.” Indicated in The Algemeiner report was that the pro- Hamas agitators also burned images of the Israeli flag and carried signs with messages such as “Long live October 7th” and “The Zionists are not Jews & not humans! They are the evil of the world!” Two visitors to the exhibit were reportedly verbally abused, being called “dirty colonizer bi–h.”
The Algemeiner report noted that these groups are known for their calls for violence against Israel, and their flags are symbols of resistance that often incite strong reactions from both supporters and opponents.
According to police reports, three individuals were arrested during the protests, while six others were issued summonses—three for disorderly conduct and three for jumping turnstiles. The NYPD’s investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Meanwhile, Jewish advocacy groups continue to call for increased security measures and greater awareness of anti-Semitism in all its forms.
Michael Nussbaum, a long-time member of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, condemned the subway incident as a blatant act of intimidation and hate. “This kind of behavior is unacceptable and has no place in our city,” Nussbaum stated, as was reported by The Algemeiner. “We must ensure that all New Yorkers can travel and express their beliefs freely and without fear.”
A significant aspect of the demonstration was the call for intifada, which the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) describes as advocating for indiscriminate violence against Israel and potentially Jews worldwide, The Algemeiner report said.
