FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kristia Winter, Communications Director
KWinter@council.nyc.gov, 718-629-2900

BROOKLYN, NY — NYC Council Member Farah N. Louis (D-Brooklyn) released the following statement after two Orthodox Jewish men were attacked within the span of a week in the Flatbush and Midwood sections of Brooklyn. 

STATEMENT BY COUNCIL MEMBER LOUIS

“I am saddened and outraged that an Orthodox Jewish man was simply walking home after a Shabbos meal in Flatbush when three men pulled over, yelled Anti-Semitic slurs before assaulting him. The victim was brought to the Community Hospital in Marine Park for a broken finger and needed stitches on his face.

“Last Thursday, another Orthodox Jewish man was physically assaulted with a baseball while walking on his block in Midwood. In the aftermath of the unprovoked attack, the victim lost a tooth, has swelling on his face that did not require stitches, and severe jaw pain hindering his ability to eat normally.

“In 2019, anti-Semitic hate crimes in NYC rose by 26%. The Anti-Defamation League then expanded its ‘No Place For Hate’ program aimed at bringing anti-bias education to our schools. Education is the key to cultivating empathy and understanding rather than hatred. We must work to further expand this program and celebrate our cultural diversity by condemning such heinous attacks.

“I am praying for these members of our community and their speedy recovery. As a community, we will not tolerate hate of any kind and will continue to stand together – in unity and in love.”

New York City Council Member Farah N. Louis represents the 45th Council District, which is comprised of Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Marine Park, Flatlands, & Kensington in Brooklyn, NY. She is a member of the committees on Civil Service and Labor; Economic Development; Education; Finance; Housing and Buildings; Youth Services; and Justice System. Council Member Louis is the Co-Chair of the Women’s Caucus and Vice Co-Chair of the Black, Latino/a, and Asian Caucus.

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