On the streets of Williamsburg Wednesday night there was a growing sense of concern. Orthodox New Yorkers are determined to maintain their traditions but are worried that their traditional clothing is making them a target.
[Ads /]
"The community is not getting any kind of breather, there's no respite. And the fear levels now are incredibly high," said Evan Bernstein, New York / New Jersey Regional Director at the Anti-Defamation League
At 9:30 Tuesday night, a group of young men confronted a Hasidic man and demanded his cellphone before beating him and chasing him down the street.
Both the NYPD and State Police Hate Crimes detectives are investigating, but the robbery has not been labeled a hate crime.
But there is no question that the city's Jewish community is facing increasing hostility.
"My obligation as Mayor is to ensure that every step is taken to protect this community, because this community is under attack, it's under attack in ways we haven't seen in quite awhile," said Mayor Bill de Blasio.
[Ads /]
Overall, hate crimes in New York City are up 39% so far this year. And anti-Semitic hate crimes are up 60%. Of those crimes, 80% are acts of anti-Semitic vandalism and 20% are anti-Semitic crimes against people.
"There are real people that are being affected," said Bernstein. "It's not just the individual that's assaulted. It is changing how people are functioning day to day, and their way of life."
"Whether it was or was not a hate crime, Bernstein says the fear in the community is real. Anybody who can identify the suspects is urged to call the NYPD. A $10,000 reward is being offered tonight.
----------
* More Brooklyn news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Follow us on YouTube