The New York Police Department is investigating a stabbing in Brooklyn as a potential hate crime after a 35-year-old Jewish man was attacked near a major Jewish hub, according to reports.
Attack Details and Victim's Condition
A 35-year-old man was transported to hospital with a stab wound to the chest after being attacked on the afternoon of Tuesday, December 16, 2025. The NYPD confirmed the incident occurred near an intersection in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn. Authorities reported the victim was in stable condition following the assault.
Hate Crime Investigation Underway
A spokesman for the Chabad-Lubavitch movement stated the victim is Jewish and that the NYPD is probing the incident as a potential hate crime. The investigation was triggered by witness accounts indicating the assailant uttered anti-Jewish slurs. According to the Chabad spokesman, the victim "reportedly heard the attacker cursing Jews as he passed." This verbal exchange escalated into a physical confrontation, culminating in the stabbing.
The NYPD told the Jewish News Syndicate (JNS) that no arrest had been made as of Tuesday and that the investigation remains ongoing. Police received a 911 call about the attack at approximately 4:10 p.m.
Location and Community Context
The attack took place in Crown Heights, a neighborhood with a significant Jewish population. The intersection is just one block away from the global headquarters of Chabad-Lubavitch and is close to the Jewish Children's Museum and numerous synagogues. The incident occurred amidst heightened security concerns at Jewish institutions across New York City following recent terror attacks targeting Jewish communities globally.
Footage circulated on social media in the aftermath appeared to show the victim attempting to use his coat to defend himself against the assailant.
Broader Concerns and Calls for Support
The stabbing has amplified fears within the Jewish community about a rise in anti-Semitic violence. Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee, issued a forceful statement connecting the attack to a pattern of violence against Jews. He described a climate of shock and horror, referencing recent massacres and attacks where Jews were targeted for their identity.
"If you are stabbed because of who you are and are told it’s okay if six million of your people were murdered, everyone would be shocked," Deutch stated. He emphasized the urgent need for solidarity, saying, "This is the world for Jews right now. Stand with us to stop this. We need everyone."
The Chabad spokesman clarified that his comments were made in a personal capacity and do not represent an official statement from the movement.
