New York, NY, December 24, 2015 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) was deeply disturbed by the violent assault of a Jewish man in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn.

According to reports, the assault occurred yesterday on the campus of Medgar Evers College, when the assailant bumped into the victim and stated his hatred for both white and Jewish people before punching the victim in the face.  The New York City Police Department (NYPD) is investigating the attack as a possible hate crime.

“The allegation that the perpetrator voiced hatred for Jews and white people is deeply disturbing,” said Evan R. Bernstein, ADL New York Regional Director. “No one in our city should be singled out because of their ethnicity or religion, and this is particularly true in Crown Heights, where the community has worked hard to build bridges and to overcome stereotypes and misperceptions.”

Over the years, the League has worked closely with community groups, NYPD, and others in Crown Heights in an effort to improve inter-communal relations and foster mutual understanding.

In August ADL announced #50StatesAgainstHate, an initiative to expand and strengthen hate crimes laws in New York and around the country in partnership with more than three dozen national civil rights, civic, religious and cultural organizations.

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_News