Antisemitic Stabbing Near Central Park: Two Men Injured
Two men were hospitalized after being stabbed in an incident near Central Park on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. The New York Police Department (NYPD) reported the event occurred on Thursday afternoon and a person of interest is in custody.
The Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation, based in New York, noted on social media that the victims appeared to be “visibly Jewish.” The men, aged 57 and 50, sustained injuries to their torsos. They were discovered near West 84th Street and Central Park West at approximately 1:31 p.m. Both were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital for treatment.
CBS News journalist Anna Schecter conveyed on social media that one of the victims was wearing a kippah at the time of the attack.
The Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation expressed on social media, “Jewish Americans should never have to fear being attacked because of who they are or how they identify. Authorities must conduct a swift and thorough investigation and immediately provide enhanced protection for Jewish neighborhoods, schools, synagogues, and community institutions. Every American deserves to live and worship in safety, free from fear and hatred.”
New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin addressed the incident as an “antisemitic stabbing.”
Menin shared on social media, “I am absolutely sickened and furious by what appears to be an antisemitic stabbing on the Upper West Side. While we await additional details to be confirmed, we know that what is happening in our city is abhorrent. The fear in the Jewish community is real. Every New Yorker deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood, regardless of their faith or identity. We must remain united in condemning antisemitism and ensuring those responsible are held fully accountable. I thank the NYPD for its swift response in apprehending the assailant. My prayers are with the victims and their loved ones.”
The attack took place on Tisha B’Av, a solemn day of fasting and mourning in the Jewish calendar.
New York City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov, co-chair of NYC’s Bipartisan Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, stated on social media that the assailant reportedly shouted, “Allahu Akbar,” which translates to “God is the greatest” or “God is greater” in Arabic. She also mentioned that the attacker used a screwdriver in the attack.
Newsweek has reached out to City Hall for further comments on the situation. This report is a breaking news story and will be updated as more information becomes available.