Rabbi ATTACKED on Holocaust Day—Suspect WALKS FREE

A Bukharian rabbi walking to synagogue in broad daylight on Holocaust Remembrance Day was violently attacked by a man shouting antisemitic slurs in Queens, New York—yet another stark reminder that Jewish Americans face unprecedented danger on American streets under policies that have normalized hate and weakened law enforcement.

Story Snapshot

Rabbi David Shushan brutally assaulted on International Holocaust Remembrance Day by suspect yelling “F*ck Jews” in Forest Hills, Queens
Suspect Eric Zafra-Grosso released on supervised release despite prosecutor’s request for $40,000 bail, raising concerns about judicial leniency
Attack part of surging antisemitic violence across NYC, with anti-Jewish hate crimes outnumbering all other groups combined
Rabbi fought back and photographed attacker, leading to quick arrest by NYPD with assistance from Queens Shomrim patrol

Violent Assault on Sacred Day

Eric Zafra-Grosso, 32, allegedly approached Rabbi David Shushan at the intersection of Queens Boulevard and Yellowstone Boulevard in Forest Hills around 2:20 p.m. on January 27, 2026. The 30-year-old father of three, visibly Jewish in his yarmulke and heading to synagogue, became the target of unprovoked rage. Zafra-Grosso shouted antisemitic slurs before punching the rabbi in the chest and face, causing him to fall into the snow. The two struggled briefly before the suspect fled, but Rabbi Shushan’s quick thinking to photograph his attacker proved crucial for the rapid arrest that followed.

Arrest and Troubling Judicial Response

NYPD’s 112th Precinct, aided by Queens Shomrim—a volunteer Jewish safety patrol—swiftly apprehended Zafra-Grosso at the Forest Hills-71st Continental Avenue subway station. Prosecutors charged him with assault as a hate crime, aggravated harassment as a hate crime, and third-degree assault, carrying potential sentences of 1⅓ to 4 years. Despite requesting $40,000 bail given the severity and hate-motivated nature of the attack, Judge Sharifa Nasser-Cuellar ordered supervised release. The suspect exhibited erratic behavior requiring psychiatric evaluation, yet walked free pending his March 16 court date—a decision that underscores growing frustration with soft-on-crime policies that prioritize criminals over victims and community safety.

Epidemic of Antisemitic Violence

This attack represents one incident in an alarming surge of antisemitic violence plaguing New York City. Anti-Jewish hate crimes have outnumbered those targeting all other groups combined in recent years, establishing NYC as the epicenter of American antisemitism. According to the Combat Antisemitism Movement, 2025 witnessed more lethal antisemitic attacks globally than any recent year. Forest Hills, home to a significant Bukharian Jewish community, now joins the growing list of neighborhoods where Jews cannot safely practice their faith. A separate incident occurred January 28 when a vehicle rammed the Chabad-Lubavitch headquarters in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, though hundreds inside escaped injury.

Failed Leadership and Dangerous Rhetoric

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz stated that the attack’s occurrence on International Holocaust Remembrance Day compounds its gravity, vowing to use all available tools for accountability. Mayor Zohran Mamdani called antisemitism a “present danger” and committed city resources to combat it. Yet these statements ring hollow when judicial decisions immediately undermine prosecutorial efforts. The Combat Antisemitism Movement’s CEO Sacha Roytman identified the root cause: “Globalize the Intifada” rhetoric that has normalized anti-Jewish incitement across political ideologies since the 2023 Israel-Hamas conflict. This dangerous ideology, left unchecked by previous administrations focused on political correctness over public safety, has emboldened attackers who view Jewish Americans as acceptable targets.

Community Resilience Amid Government Failure

Rabbi Shushan demonstrated remarkable courage, fighting back against his attacker and ensuring his capture through decisive action. His response exemplifies the resilience required when government institutions fail to protect law-abiding citizens. The rabbi later promoted messages of “light and goodness” rather than revenge, reflecting traditional values that stand in stark contrast to the hate he endured. Queens elected officials including Councilmember Lynn Schulman and Representative Grace Meng issued joint statements condemning the attack and calling to “confront hate before violence.” However, Jewish communities increasingly rely on organizations like Shomrim for protection—a troubling reality that highlights how Americans must now supplement law enforcement duties their tax dollars should already cover. The Bukharian Jewish community and broader NYC Jewish population face heightened alerts and increased security costs, burdens that should be unnecessary in a functioning society committed to constitutional protections and equal justice under law.