A man shouting “Allahu Akbar” stabbed a Jewish man and another near a synagogue, raising concerns about anti-Semitism and terrorism. The Jewish man, Moshe Yezhak Grunhaus, was attacked with a screwdriver after leaving the Jewish Centre. Another victim, identified as Chok Sung of East Asian descent, was stabbed with a knife nearby.
The incidents occurred close to Central Park, a popular New York landmark. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch named the alleged assailant as 51-year-old Raul Morales and mentioned that investigations are ongoing to determine if it was a hate crime. Morales reportedly yelled “Allahu Akbar” during both attacks, as per victim and witness accounts.
Both victims are hospitalized but expected to recover. Mayor Zohair Mamdani acknowledged the perpetrator’s shouts but suggested that mental health might have played a role. He condemned the attacks, emphasizing that such violence has no place in the city. City Council Speaker Julie Menin expressed solidarity with the Jewish community, stressing the importance of safety for all residents regardless of faith.
