In a distressing incident that marred International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a rabbi was attacked in New York City, an act local authorities are calling a “targeted act of hate.” The confrontation unfolded in Queens’ Forest Hills neighborhood, a peaceful suburb usually far removed from such violent actions.

The New York City Police Department reported that the attack occurred just before 3 p.m. on a busy street corner. Officers arriving at the scene found a 32-year-old man, identified by community leaders as a rabbi, who had been subjected to antisemitic slurs by an unidentified assailant. This verbal confrontation escalated when the attacker punched the rabbi in both the chest and face.

Fortunately, the rabbi sustained only minor injuries and was able to receive prompt medical care. Meanwhile, police acted swiftly to apprehend the suspect. He was identified as Eric Zafra-Grosso, also 32, a resident of Queens. Zafra-Grosso now faces serious charges, including hate crime assault, hate crime aggravated harassment, and assault causing injury.

This troubling event underscores the persistent threat of hate crimes in today’s society, even as communities around the world pause to remember the atrocities of the Holocaust. It is a poignant reminder of the work still needed to combat antisemitism and foster tolerance.

In a city known for its diversity and resilience, this incident is a call to action for New Yorkers to stand united against hate in all its forms.

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng, New York State Sens. Joseph Addabbo Jr. and Leroy Comrie Jr., New York State Assemblymembers Andrew Hevesi and Sam Berger, and New York City Council Member Lynn Schulman issued a joint statement condemning the attack.

“We are outraged by the antisemitic attack that occurred in our district, in which a Rabbi was verbally harassed, physically assaulted, and threatened for being Jewish,” the statement said. “This was a targeted act of hate, and it has no place in our community or anywhere in New York City.”

“No one should ever fear for their safety because of their religion, identity, or beliefs,” the lawmakers said in the statement. “The rise in antisemitic incidents across our city and country is deeply concerning, and this attack — occurring on Holocaust Remembrance Day — underscores the urgent responsibility we all share to confront hate before it escalates into violence.”

Local officials noted a rise in antisemitic incidents in the city. (iStock)

According to public data from the NYPD, there have been 22 reported hate crimes in New York City from the start of the year through Jan. 25.

Antisemitic incidents comprised 62% of all hate crimes in the city during the first quarter of 2025, according to a report released last month by former New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

“I was disgusted to learn of yet another antisemitic attack in New York City, this time on a rabbi in Queens during International Holocaust Remembrance Day,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., posted on X Wednesday morning. “As we commemorate the 6 million Jews who were murdered by the Nazis during the Holocaust, we must recognize that antisemitism is still alive and on the rise today. It is imperative we do everything in our power to combat these rancid acts of antisemitism and hate in all its forms.”

Schumer added that he is “grateful” the rabbi is okay and thanked the NYPD.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani posted that he was “horrified” by the attack.

“On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, New Yorkers were confronted with a painful truth: antisemitism is not a thing of the past—it is a present danger that demands action from all of us,” Mamdani said. “There is no place for antisemitism in our city. I stand in solidarity with Jewish New Yorkers and my administration is committed to rooting out this hatred.”