Orthodox Jewish Men Pursue Woman Following Heated Protest Outside Brooklyn Synagogue

A Brooklyn woman recently shared her terrifying experience in Crown Heights, where she was attacked by a group of Orthodox Jewish men. They mistakenly believed she was part of a protest against Itamar Ben-Gvir, an Israeli security minister who was visiting.

The incident, which was caught on video, took place when the woman stepped outside after hearing police helicopters. To avoid recognition, she pulled a scarf over her face. As soon as she did, around 100 men surrounded her, shouting threats and chants against her. “I was terrified,” she said, recalling how a police officer tried to escort her to safety while the crowd followed, yelling in Hebrew and English.

The situation escalated quickly. Video footage showed men kicking her and throwing objects. A member of the crowd even exclaimed, “This is America. We got Israel. We got an army now.” The woman described feeling cornered against a building, realizing she had nowhere to run and was in grave danger.

After what felt like an eternity, the police officer managed to get her into a patrol car while the crowd cheered, showcasing a disturbing display of mob mentality. Although she was left with physical and emotional scars, the woman expressed disbelief that her community, where she has lived for a decade, had become so hostile.

The incident raised concerns about public safety and hate crimes. The police reported one arrest but did not disclose if anyone involved in the assault would face charges. Mayor Eric Adams condemned the violence, insisting that New York City supports peaceful protests but not acts of aggression.

This incident is part of a larger trend of rising tensions in the city. Protests related to Israeli and Palestinian politics have been especially intense as Ben-Gvir, known for his extremist views, has rallied support during his U.S. visit. As he has previously faced charges for inciting hatred, his presence continues to spark polarizing reactions.

A report from the Anti-Defamation League noted a significant rise in anti-Semitic and anti-Arab incidents in recent years, highlighting the need for dialogue and understanding among communities. Experts believe that addressing these tensions requires not only law enforcement but also community engagement to prevent such violence in the future.

Scary as this instance was, it reflects broader societal challenges. It’s vital for city officials to take steps to ensure safety and foster communication among diverse communities to avoid further conflict.



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