A Brooklyn woman reported feeling terrified after being chased, assaulted, and harassed by a crowd of Orthodox Jewish men who mistakenly thought she was part of a protest against Israeli far-right security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The incident occurred in Crown Heights during a clash between pro-Palestinian activists and the local Orthodox community.
The woman, who chose to remain anonymous due to safety concerns, described how she approached the scene to investigate a police helicopter and was immediately surrounded by a mob. She claimed they yelled threats, including “Death to the Arabs,” and faced violence as objects were thrown at her. Despite her fears, she felt unprotected by the police, who only attempted to escort her to safety.
The altercation left her with physical injuries and emotional distress, causing her to feel unsafe in her own neighborhood after living there for a decade. A police spokesperson indicated that one person was arrested and five received subpoenas, but it was unclear if anyone was charged for assaulting the woman.
Mayor Eric Adams addressed the situation, condemning the violence and affirming that New York City would not tolerate intimidation or threats. The protests were part of a series of rallies against Ben-Gvir, known for his controversial statements and actions regarding Palestinians. Rabbi Motti Seligson of Chabad-Lubavitch condemned the violence from both sides.
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