Jewish man stabbed multiple times on way to synagogue

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    MONSEY, NY (WCBS) — An Orthodox Jewish man was punched, slashed and stabbed on his way to a synagogue on Wednesday morning in Rockland County.

He survived, but was hospitalized and underwent surgery for serious injuries, police said.

The incident happened at around 5:40 a.m. near the shul at 2 Howard Drive. Police said at least one person jumped out of a car, punched the man repeatedly and then stabbed him more than once.

The 30-year-old victim, who is married with four kids, did not know his attacker, police said.

“It seems to be an unprovoked incident. We’re still in the initial stages of the investigation, but we do know there were no words exchanged,” community liaison Rabbi Yisroel Kahan told CBS2’s Tony Aiello. “[The assailant] jumped out of a car, pummeled him to the ground for a minute or two. At some point he was stabbed and rushed to Westchester [County Medical Center] with Hatzolah paramedics.”

County Executive Ed Day said there is obvious concern about a possible anti-Semitic hate crime, but he’s telling residents the Ramapo police need to do a thorough investigation before anyone will comment on a motive.

“It is critically important that they be given the time and the effort to find out exactly what occurred, and why it occurred,” Day said. “One incident does not define a community.”

Investigators were seen going up and down the street looking for evidence and gathering surveillance video on Wednesday. They said they’re searching for at least one suspect, but did not immediately release a description.

“This act of violence is horrific and not reflective of our peaceful community. Violence or hate of any kind is never tolerated,” state Sen. David Carlucci said in a statement. “I pray for the victim’s recovery and expect police will find the suspects and bring them to justice. I am awaiting more details on this incident.”

The Anti-Defamation League is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

“We are outraged by this terribly violent incident,” ADL Regional Director Evan R. Bernstein said. “This is truly horrifying. A peaceful walk to shul in the early morning hours is how this man started the day and now he’s in serious condition in a hospital because of this attack. There is absolutely no room in our communities for violence. We must come together and stand shoulder to shoulder, not only to condemn this despicable act, but also work as a community to stem the tide of hatred and violence. We wish for the speedy and full recovery of the victim and hope this reward facilitates the swift apprehension of those responsible for this attack.”

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