NEW YORK — The NYPD is asking for the public’s help in finding a man seen on video making anti-Semitic comments and spitting on a Jewish man.
The investigation comes after New York’s attorney general and prosecutors across the state were confronted the recent escalation of attacks on Jews in the city and pledged to prosecute all hate crimes.
Footage shows strangers intervening to protect the victim
Video from Sunday afternoon on Amsterdam Avenue near West 86th Street shows a man dressed in red shouting “Free Palestine” and spitting on a visibly Jewish man as he crosses the street.
The person who took the images is also Jewish and wanted to speak out, but did not dare to show her face for fear of reprisals.
“This was such a random, unprovoked incident. It could happen to anyone,” she said.
Strangers are seen jumping in to protect the Jewish man, who the NYPD says is 74 and suffered no injuries.
The witness says that shortly before, video glass was thrown at the man.
The NYPD said the suspect is wanted for aggravated harassment and the incident is being investigated as a hate crime.
“This happens everywhere. There is definitely shame”
Show data anti-Semitic hate crimes have increased by 60% compared to this time last year.
“I don’t understand how people can have so much hatred for someone they don’t even know,” the woman said. ‘This happens everywhere. There is certainly shame.’
Avi Posnick is the Northeast director of Stand With Us, a nonprofit organization that educates people about anti-Semitism.
“To think about what could have happened if people hadn’t come to this man’s aid. There must be consequences for these actions,” Posnick said.
“I felt good knowing that a group of us were confronting this guy, but still, I mean, that’s crazy,” the woman said.
She and other Jews who spoke to CBS New York said speaking out is a step anyone can take because New Yorkers are stronger together.
Lisa Rozner
