New York, NY, August 15, 2014 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today condemned two anti-Semitic incidents in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. The first incident occurred on August 13 when a man was confronted by three teens and struck in the face. On August 14, a 9 year-old boy was struck on the head after an altercation with three youths.

The New York City Police Department hate crimes task force is investigating the incidents and has classified both as anti-Semitic.

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

We condemn these two assaults against traditional Orthodox Jews who were singled out for violence because of their religion. No New Yorker should ever have to feel fearful about practicing their faith and have fear of walking in public.

We have complete confidence that the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force will take these incidents seriously and that the perpetrators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

 According to ADL’s annual Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents, New York City experienced 133 incidents in 2013 including acts of assault, harassment and vandalism.

 

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