Jewish man viciously assaulted in NYC hate crime, retains Lawfare Project

“We look forward to the arrest and vigorous prosecution of the perpetrators of this vile and vicious hate crime. We expect our elected officials and law enforcement to send a clear message that targeting Jews with violence and hate will not be tolerated. We also expect the city to investigate and act on the incitement to violence that features so prominently in these protests. We can’t have an inclusive society with this sort of radical rhetoric that is directed to — and results in — violent attacks, physical scars, and psychological trauma.”

— Gerard Filitti, Senior Counsel, The Lawfare Project

The Lawfare Project is representing Matt Greenman, a young man who was violently attacked by participants in a hate-filled protest in New York City that sought to “globalize the intifada” and urged resistance “by any means necessary.”

The NYPD Hate Crime Unit is investigating the attack, which was captured on video; Greenman, who is Jewish, was holding an Israeli flag when he was thrown to the ground, punched, and kicked in the face.

The victim, who was walking with crutches due to a sprained foot at the time, went to the emergency room with injuries to his face and head, as well as his arm, knees, and neck. He was diagnosed with a concussion and a possible fracture above the eye, which was swollen from the attack.

NYC man on crutches brutally attacked by pro-Palestine demonstrator for waving Israeli flag

Greenman, a nursing student, was walking away from the protest when he was attacked. He reported that when he turned around, “this guy made eye contact with me. He looked extremely angry in his eyes, at a level that I knew that this guy could do something.” The man followed Greenman and threatened him before the attack, saying, “When we’re somewhere more private, I’ve got something for you.”

This violent attack is just the latest in a string of hate crimes targeting Jews in New York City. According to recent reports, antisemitic attacks increased by 325% last year just in New York, and the number of antisemitic incidents of assault, harassment, and vandalism is at the highest level nationwide since 1979.

Groups like “Within Our Lifetime” (WOL) and Samidoun, which organized last week’s hate-fest, need to be held accountable for the violence they incite, alongside the people they inspire to act. This is what the lawyers at The Lawfare Project fight to achieve.