Date: August 8, 2013

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed the arrests of three young men in connection with the assault of an identifiably Jewish man in Kaser, Rockland County.  All three men face charges of second-degree assault as a hate crime.

            The incident happened on the night of August 7, when the Hasidic victim and another man were leaning against a car on Rita Avenue.  A vehicle drove up, and a man allegedly pointed a black paint-pellet rifle at them from the passenger side of the window and fired.  The Hasidic victim was hit at least twice, and the car was hit three or four times.  The victim suffered bruises to his abdomen.  The perpetrators allegedly shouted anti-Semitic epithets during the assault.

            “This is a sad reminder that people in our community continue to be singled out because of their religious beliefs,” said Etzion Neuer, ADL Acting New York Regional Director.  “Hate crimes and anti-Semitism are unacceptable in any community.  The alleged assailants are all young adults and this fact reinforces the critical need for young people to learn the importance of respecting differences.”

            The League commended the Ramapo Police Department for taking swift action in this case and sending a strong message that hate crimes will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

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