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Teen Volunteer Stabbed at ‘Masbia’ Brooklyn Soup Kitchen in Dispute Over Apple Juice
Edited by: Fern Sidman
In a tragic and shocking incident, a 17-year-old boy was stabbed outside a Brooklyn soup kitchen on Wednesday afternoon following an altercation with a disgruntled client. According to the information provided in a report in The New York Post, the incident, which took place at Masbia of Flatbush on Coney Island Avenue, has left the community reeling and raised concerns about the safety of volunteers and staff at charitable organizations.
The stabbing occurred around 3:30 p.m., just as the soup kitchen was beginning its dinner service, a peak time when the facility is busiest. The victim, a teenager participating in a summer youth program, had been volunteering at Masbia, a well-respected charity that has served the Midwood community for nearly 20 years without significant incidents, as was reported by The Post. According to police and sources, the altercation began over what seems to be a minor issue— a pitcher of apple juice that was not filled to the top.
Witnesses and sources close to the situation described how the client became agitated during the meal service, which that day consisted of rice, beans, and tuna. The report in The Post indicated that the source noted that such tensions are not uncommon during the initial rush of service, but the situation rapidly escalated beyond what anyone expected.
“The pitcher of apple juice was not filled to the top on that table—like, that sort of thing,” the source explained to The Post, emphasizing the seemingly trivial nature of the dispute. “When we open, it’s the busiest time. That’s the peak.”
The situation worsened when the agitated client began to verbally abuse one of the volunteers. Another staff member intervened, warning the client that his behavior was unacceptable and that he would be asked to leave if it continued, The Post report said. Instead of de-escalating the situation, this intervention appeared to inflame the client further.
As tensions continued to rise inside the soup kitchen, the confrontation moved outside. The report in The Post explained that according to a witness who arrived at the soup kitchen for his shift, the altercation involved about four volunteers, including the victim, who attempted to defuse the situation and escort the unruly client out of the building.
“They were exchanging words, fighting … I was holding him back,” the witness recounted to The Post. “Then the knife came out.”
In a sudden and violent turn, the client pulled out a knife and stabbed the 17-year-old volunteer in the stomach. A fellow volunteer, who was present during the incident, recalled the horrifying moment when the teenager realized he had been stabbed. “He was saying ‘I’m stabbed. I’m stabbed,’” the volunteer recounted, to The Post.
The injured teen was quickly transported to Maimonides Medical Center, where he was treated and listed in stable condition. Despite the traumatic experience, the boy’s injuries were considered minor, and his recovery is expected to be swift. The Post report said that the full extent of his injuries has not been disclosed, but the attack has understandably sent shockwaves through the close-knit community that Masbia serves.
The assailant, who fled the scene after the stabbing, remains at large. Described as a regular, albeit occasional, patron of the soup kitchen, the suspect’s violent outburst has left the community and the staff of Masbia in shock. The Post report indicated that volunteers and staff members, who have long considered the soup kitchen a safe haven for both the needy and those who serve them, are grappling with the reality that even in a place dedicated to helping others, violence can occur.
“It was unnecessary, what happened was unnecessary,” the volunteer lamented, expressing his frustration not only with the attacker but also with what he perceives as a lack of adequate police presence in the area, according to the information in The Post report. The incident has sparked a conversation about the safety of public service spaces and the need for increased security and conflict resolution training.
In the wake of the attack, Alexander Rapaport, the executive director of Masbia, emphasized the importance of maintaining the soup kitchen as a safe space for all. “A soup kitchen was a safe place and will stay a safe place,” Rapaport told The Post, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to creating a secure environment for both clients and volunteers.
Rapaport acknowledged, however, that the incident highlights the need for greater vigilance and more effective de-escalation techniques. “Even in a safe place, vigilance is important, and de-escalation is important,” he told The Post, pointing to the incident as a catalyst for reinforcing training and protocols aimed at preventing such occurrences in the future.
“The takeaway of this incident is emphasizing more de-escalation with both staff and volunteers and doing it right,” Rapaport added, as was reported by The Post. This renewed focus on de-escalation training is intended to equip staff and volunteers with the skills necessary to defuse tense situations before they escalate into violence, ensuring that Masbia continues to be a sanctuary for those it serves.
As the community comes to terms with what happened, there is a collective call to action to ensure that such an incident does not happen again. This includes not only enhancing security measures but also fostering a culture of respect, patience, and understanding among all who pass through the doors of Masbia.
The attack has also prompted broader discussions about the role of law enforcement in community service settings. The volunteer’s remarks about the lack of police presence in the area reflect a growing concern that more needs to be done to protect those who dedicate their time to helping others. As the search for the suspect continues, there is hope that increased cooperation between local authorities and community organizations will lead to a safer environment for all.
