Unprovoked hate attack shakes Brooklyn on first night of Hanukkah, Jewish man beaten, robbed

In a shocking incident that marred the festive spirit of Hanukkah, a 40-year-old Jewish man, Joshua Merenfeld, fell victim to a vicious and unprovoked hate attack on the streets of Brooklyn.

The assailant, described as a bigot, not only physically assaulted Merenfeld but also subjected him to verbal abuse, labeling him a “dirty Jew.”

The incident unfolded on Thursday evening around 7:35 p.m. when Merenfeld, a married father of five and a 20-year resident of New York City, stepped out of his Crown Heights home on Eastern Parkway near Albany Ave. to enjoy a cigarette.

Little did he anticipate the terror that awaited him, as he was suddenly and viciously sucker-punched from behind.

“I didn’t realize what was going on until the second punch. I think he was hitting me with something. Maybe it was my phone,” recounted Merenfeld, whose face bore the brunt of the attack, resulting in a need for stitches.

In an effort to shield his children from the severity of his injuries, he promptly sought medical attention.

Describing the harrowing experience, Merenfeld shared, “He beat me up for a minute, which is a long time when you are getting beaten. I have bruises all over.”

The attacker callously stole Merenfeld’s phone before making a hasty escape, leaving behind a traumatized victim with a split-open face.

As the investigation unfolds, the NYPD has released surveillance video images of the assailant, heightening efforts to bring the perpetrator to justice.

Merenfeld, determined to prevent further incidents, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “This person needs to be arrested. This needs as much attention as possible so no one else gets hurt.”

The community is left on edge as the suspect remains at large. Surveillance photos of the attacker have been disseminated to the media, and the NYPD continues its relentless pursuit.

The assailant was last seen entering a subway station less than two blocks away at Eastern Parkway and Kingston Ave, heightening concerns about public safety in the area.

This brazen act of hate serves as a stark reminder of the challenges still faced by communities, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts to combat prejudice and promote tolerance.

As the search for the assailant intensifies, the community rallies against hatred, standing in solidarity with Joshua Merenfeld and sending a resounding message that such acts will not be tolerated.