Rabbi Assaulted in Queens on Holocaust Remembrance Day; Suspect Charged with Hate Crimes
QUEENS, N.Y. — On January 27, 2026, a rabbi was violently attacked on a street corner in Queens, New York, in an incident authorities have classified as a hate crime coinciding with International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The assault occurred shortly before 3 p.m. in the Forest Hills neighborhood, a diverse community that has recently seen heightened concerns over antisemitic incidents.
According to the New York City Police Department, the victim, a 32-year-old male identified by community leaders as a rabbi, was approached by a man who began making antisemitic remarks. After a verbal altercation escalated, the suspect allegedly punched the rabbi in the chest and face, causing minor injuries that required medical attention.
Responding officers quickly apprehended the suspect at the scene. He was identified as Eric Zafra-Grosso, 32, a resident of Queens. Zafra-Grosso faces multiple charges, including hate crime assault, hate crime aggravated harassment, and assault causing injury. The NYPD has emphasized the targeted nature of the attack, describing it as a “deliberate act of hate” on a day dedicated to remembering the victims of the Holocaust.
Local elected officials swiftly condemned the attack. U.S. Representative Grace Meng, along with New York State Senators Joseph Addabbo Jr. and Leroy Comrie Jr., Assemblymembers Andrew Hevesi and Sam Berger, and City Council Member Lynn Schulman, issued a joint statement denouncing the violence and reaffirming their commitment to combating antisemitism in the city.
This incident adds to a troubling pattern of antisemitic violence reported across the United States. The Anti-Defamation League has documented a steady rise in hate crimes targeting Jewish communities nationwide, underscoring the urgency of coordinated law enforcement and community responses.
The attack in Queens also comes amid broader discussions on hate crime legislation and enforcement. The Department of Justice’s Hate Crimes Program works closely with local authorities to investigate and prosecute crimes motivated by bias, emphasizing the importance of protecting vulnerable communities.
Community leaders in Forest Hills have called for increased vigilance and support for victims of hate crimes. They have urged residents to report suspicious behavior and participate in educational initiatives aimed at fostering tolerance and understanding.
The NYPD continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the assault and has encouraged anyone with additional information to come forward. Meanwhile, the suspect remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.
As the city reflects on the solemn significance of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, this attack serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threats faced by Jewish Americans and the ongoing need for vigilance against hate-fueled violence.
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