66-Year-Old Rabbi Attacked in Brooklyn, Suspect Arrested

A 66-year-old rabbi was attacked in Brooklyn, leading to the arrest of a suspect. The incident occurred on Dahill Street near Cortelio Street in the Kensington neighborhood on Wednesday evening. According to New York City police, Eric Avrotov, 31, cornered the rabbi and beat him several times without provocation. The rabbi was taken to Maimonides Hospital, where his condition is reported as stable.

The attack took place around 9:20 p.m. and was captured in footage published by the Borough Park Guardians Association, showing the assault lasting approximately 20 seconds. Police officers arrived at the scene and arrested Avrotov, charging him with assault and harassment. The NYPD’s 66Pct Q-Team Officers Baptiste and Hua were credited with swiftly responding to the incident.

Prior to the attack on the rabbi, Avrotov had beaten a 60-year-old man who had been gassed at a nearby gas station. For that incident, he was already charged with assault and harassment. Police have stated that the attack on the rabbi is not being investigated as a hate crime.

Avrotov has a history of arrests, including five previous incidents. On Sunday, he was arrested on suspicion of beating two people without cause in Brighton Beach but was released under supervision. He was also arrested on suspicion of violating a protective order and released again under supervision.

Another anti-Jewish incident was reported in Brooklyn on the same day. A 48-year-old man allegedly chased a Jewish student in Crown Heights with a knife and made a call for support for Hitler. New York Mayor Zoran Madani condemned both attacks, calling them “shocking and deserving of any condemnation.”

The events highlight the importance of vigilance and community support in ensuring safety and accountability. As Micah 6:8 reminds us, we are to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. Such principles guide our response to incidents that threaten the well-being of individuals and communities.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Hebrew)