Multiple attacks in Brooklyn: 3 Hasidic Jews assaulted within one hour

Three Orthodox Jews were violently attacked and mugged on Monday morning in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

By World Israel News Staff

Three Hasidic Jews were “violently mugged” on Monday morning in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, CBS New York reported.

The ages of the victims were 56 to 71 and the attacks took place within one hour. They were either on their way to work or synagogue when they were ambushed, CBS reports.

The muggers snuck up behind the victims, punched them in the face and then went through their pockets. Two were taken to the hospital. Though suffering trauma, they’re said to be OK, the news outlet reports.

Police think there were three attackers, teenage boys, CBS reports.

“Obviously, might just be a run-of-the-mill mugging with the attempt as a bias crime, knowing that these people – just like myself, I go out of my house at 5:30, and many of them do, because prayer starts at six,” community activist Isaac Abraham told CBS.

The New York police’s Hate Crimes Unit is investigating.

Mayor Bill de Blasio took to Twitter to condemn the attacks. Gov. Andrew Cuomo released a statement saying “In New York, we have absolutely zero tolerance for such heinous acts; they are completely unacceptable and are repugnant to our values of diversity and inclusion.

“I am directing the State Police Hate Crimes Task Force to immediately provide the NYPD with any resources needed to assist in the investigation of this incident and to ensure those responsible are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

“Anti-Semitism is a growing cancer that has been injected into the nation’s body but in New York we will continue to stand united and with one voice condemn any and all acts of hatred and intolerance.”