New York, NY, February 2, 2024… ADL welcomes the sentencing of Mohammed Said Othman to three years in state prison for his role in the 2021 attack on Joseph Borgen. 

The horrifying hate crime assault of Joseph Borgen near an NYC pro-Israel rally in May 2021, during which attackers yelled “F–k Israel, Hamas is going to kill all of you,” was one of the most brutal antisemitic assaults ADL documented in 2021. This attack took place during a surge of antisemitic incidents that coincided with the military conflict between Israel and Hamas. We are now seeing another record-breaking surge. 

ADL is grateful for the District Attorney’s prosecution of the case as a hate crime and welcomed the message the sentence delivered. “This final sentencing sends a clear message that hate will not be tolerated in New York,” said ADL New York/New Jersey Regional Director Scott Richman. “Hate crimes affect entire communities, not just the victims, and we appreciate the work of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office in this case. We are also grateful to ADL New York/New Jersey Advisory Board Chair A. Ross Pearlson, who acted as counsel to Mr. Borgen in his pursuit of justice.” 

This is the last of three state prison sentencings related to this assault, including last month’s sentencing of Mohammed Othman and November’s sentencing of Mahmoud Musa. This final sentencing makes it clear that violence against Jews will be met with serious consequences. 

ADL is a leading anti-hate organization. Founded in 1913 in response to an escalating climate of antisemitism and bigotry, its timeless mission is to protect the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment for all. Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of hate with the same vigor and passion. ADL is the first call when acts of antisemitism occur. A global leader in exposing extremism, delivering anti-bias education and fighting hate online, ADL’s ultimate goal is a world in which no group or individual suffers from bias, discrimination or hate. More at www.adl.org.