Police in upstate Rockland County said Friday they were not treating a stabbing that left a 29-year-old Orthodox Jewish man in critical condition as crime motivated by anti-Semitism.
Edited by: TJV Staff
The victim — identified as a teacher and father of four was attacked by two men who jumped out of a vehicle at approximately 5:40 am in front of 2 Howard Drive; early Wednesday morning. The man was walking to synagogue for the morning services. The victim was then stabbed repeatedly before Rockland County Hatzalah brought him to the hospital where he underwent emergency surgery. The attack occurred in Monsey, a heavily Orthodox area in the town of Ramapo.
The Times of Israel reported that the assailant fled the scene before police and first responders arrived, according to Aaron Hershkowitz, an assistant to the synagogue’s rabbi.
“Although there are those who believe that this was a hate crime, the official position of the Town of Ramapo Police Department is, that at this time, there is no evidence to support that contention,” the department wrote on its Facebook page, was reported by the Times of Israel.
“If anyone has facts that this is a hate crime… we strongly encourage them to come forward and report this information to our agency,” it added.
“It was in fact an assault and a very violent and vicious one at that,” Chief Brad Weidel said in a press conference Wednesday. “Our victim was walking to synagogue, he was approached from behind by at least one and maybe more individuals, and he was assaulted and stabbed, and stabbed more than once.”
“We are outraged by this terribly violent incident,” said Evan R. Bernstein, ADL NY/NJ Regional Director. “This is truly horrifying. A peaceful walk to shul in the early morning hours is how this man started the day and now he in serious condition in a hospital because of this attack. There is absolutely no room in our communities for violence. We must come together and stand shoulder to shoulder, not only to condemn this despicable act, but also work as a community to stem the tide of hatred and violence. We wish for the speedy and full recovery of the victim and hope this reward facilitates the swift apprehension of those responsible for this attack.”
The ADL (Anti-Defamation League) announced last Wednesday that it is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for the attack on the man in Monsey.