The NYPD isn’t saying whether an assault on Bedford Avenue last night is part of a disturbing pattern, but Council Member Stephen Levin and power-broker rabbi David Niederman are making it clear they consider it just that. In a statement released moments ago, they’re demanding justice for the 26-year-old Hasidic man who was knocked to the ground in what they say is the latest “knockout game” attack.
“I am thoroughly disgusted by this hateful attack,” says Levin. “Attacking innocent victims has no place in our great city, and to deter these acts from recurring in our neighborhoods we must increase police coverage. To the perpetrators of these disturbing and hateful acts: We will find you and you will go to jail.”
Rabbi David Niederman, Executive Director of United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg, adds, “This is the second attack on a Jewish man in just over a week and it is time for increased police coverage. We will not tolerate these hateful acts to occur in our community. This is a peace-loving community and one that will stand together to make sure the perpetrators of this act are apprehended and brought to justice.”
In the video above, the victim, interviewed by photo journalist Shimon Gifter, says the perpetrators came from behind him and laughed as they ran away. “I believe it’s a knockout,” he says.