A terrifying incident unfolded in Brooklyn, New York, leaving a woman traumatized and raising serious questions about safety and the handling of protests. She was brutally attacked by a mob of Orthodox Jewish men who wrongly believed she was participating in a demonstration against Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The event took place near the Chabad-Lubavitch headquarters in Crown Heights, an area already steeped in a history of conflict and tension.
The woman, a local resident in her 30s, heard police helicopters and went to investigate the protest, which had largely dispersed by the time she arrived. She covered her face with a scarf to avoid being filmed, a decision that tragically exacerbated the situation. Upon raising her scarf, she was immediately surrounded and encircled by a large group of men, estimated to be around 100 strong. They began shouting threats, including threats of rape and chants of “death to Arabs.”
Despite the escalating violence and her pleas for help, the police offered little intervention. A lone officer eventually attempted to escort her to safety, but the mob relentlessly pursued them for blocks. The assault was captured on video, showing men kicking her, throwing objects at her, and even pushing a trash can into her. The chilling words, “This is America. We got Israel. We got an Army now,” were heard from within the mob. The woman described experiencing sheer terror, fearing for her life as she was cornered and had nowhere to escape.
Finally, she was ushered into a police vehicle, prompting further aggression from the mob. The woman, a lifelong New Yorker, suffered bruises and significant emotional trauma. She expressed fear about returning to her neighborhood where she had lived for a decade. The police reported one arrest and five summonses issued after the demonstration, but it remains unclear if anyone involved in the assault on the woman was charged.
Mayor Eric Adams acknowledged the incident and stated that police were investigating a series of events stemming from the clashes, including an incident where a pro-Palestinian protester was injured. He condemned the violence, emphasizing New York City’s commitment to peaceful protest while highlighting the unacceptable nature of the violence and threats.
The protest against Ben-Gvir, an ultranationalist leader with a controversial past, sparked condemnation from various Jewish groups who criticized the targeting of a religious site. The incident tragically highlights the deep-seated tensions and the potential for violence to erupt in the wake of political demonstrations. The location itself holds particular significance, being the site of the 1991 Crown Heights riot, a reminder of the city’s history of inter-communal conflict.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible protest and the critical need for law enforcement to protect all citizens, regardless of their perceived affiliations. The woman’s story underscores the devastating consequences of mistaken identity and the urgent need for a thorough investigation to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
