A chilling act of hate unfolded in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Queens on Tuesday, a day designated for remembering the horrors of the Holocaust. A 32-year-old rabbi was brutally attacked at an intersection, a stark reminder that antisemitism remains a potent and dangerous force.
The assault occurred just before 3 p.m., beginning with a barrage of antisemitic remarks directed at the rabbi by an unknown assailant. What started as a verbal dispute quickly escalated into physical violence, with the attacker punching the rabbi repeatedly in the chest and face.
Responding officers arrived to find the rabbi injured, but thankfully not critically. The suspect, identified as Eric Zafra-Grosso, also 32 and from Queens, was swiftly taken into custody and now faces serious charges including hate crime assault and aggravated harassment.
The timing of the attack, coinciding with International Holocaust Remembrance Day, amplified the outrage and sorrow felt throughout the community. It served as a grim echo of the past, demonstrating that the hatred which fueled the Holocaust has not been eradicated.
Local lawmakers issued a joint statement, condemning the attack as a “targeted act of hate” with no place in New York City. They emphasized the fundamental right to safety, regardless of religion or identity.
This incident isn’t isolated. Data from the NYPD reveals a disturbing trend: 22 reported hate crimes in New York City already this year. A recent report indicated that antisemitic incidents accounted for a staggering 62% of all hate crimes in the city during the first quarter of 2025.
The attack prompted strong reactions from prominent figures like Senator Chuck Schumer, who expressed disgust and underscored the urgent need to combat rising antisemitism. He emphasized the importance of remembering the six million Jewish lives lost during the Holocaust while acknowledging the present danger.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani echoed these sentiments, stating he was “horrified” by the attack and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to rooting out antisemitism. The incident served as a painful illustration that the fight against hate is far from over.
The attack on the rabbi is a stark warning, a chilling reminder that vigilance and proactive measures are crucial to protect vulnerable communities and confront the insidious threat of antisemitism before it spirals into further violence.
