New York, NY, October 14, 2014 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) called the ransacking of a Jewish business in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, by a group of teenagers “a shocking hate crime” and called on city officials and law enforcement to ensure that those responsible are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

A mob of teenagers rushed into the Gourmet Butcher on the night of October 11 and, according to video of the attack and independent reports, vandalized the store while also damaging several nearby cars and buses. There are also claims that some of those involved allegedly shouted “Heil Hitler” during the assault. The vandalism occurred just after the store had reopened following the observance of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot and the Sabbath.

Evan R. Bernstein, ADL New York Regional Director, issued the following statement:

This outrageous attack on a Jewish business is a shocking hate crime that has left the Jewish community in Crown Heights deeply shaken and understandably angry and concerned for their safety.

Given the history in Crown Heights, it is imperative that city leaders ought to make clear that this kind of brazen anti-Semitic attack is completely unacceptable in New York City and reassure the community that this kind of freewheeling violence cannot and will not happen again.

Law enforcement must do their utmost to ensure that the perpetrators are identified and prosecuted to the full extent of the law, including hate crime charges if warranted. This will send a strong message that this kind of unprovoked attack is clearly unacceptable and runs against everything this diverse city represents. In the coming days ADL will be involved in working to ensure that the strong Black-Jewish dialogue in Crown Heights continues and that the community works together to ensure that peace and goodwill will prevail in the neighborhood.

 

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.  Follow us on Twitter: @ADL_NY