Menachem Moskowitz, 52, says he was holding on to a fence while being jumped and then choked. Luckily there were two people nearby who ran up to help.
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Moskowitz was walking home after his Sunday afternoon prayers when he casually said hello to his attacker.
"He started a tyrant. 'I hate Jews, you stole my money - call my mortgage, my house,'" says Moskowitz.
Two people walking by jumped in to help, allowing Moskowitz, shaken and injured - to get away.
"There are a lot of people unfortunately that hate Jews and want to kill the Jews," says his wife, Channah Moskowitz.
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The local community has become increasingly concerned as police say this is the second attack in a week on a member of the Jewish community. One man was punched several times in the face nearby on Eastern Parkway.
"I made sure to buy a bottle of mace. I will hold it, conceal it - hopefully never have to use it," says Levi Backman.
The Anti-Defamation League is also helping by offering a $5,000 reward to find the person or people responsible for both crimes.
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