NYPD Hunts Cane-Wielding Thug in Antisemitic Subway Attack
An elderly guy—yeah, you heard that right—went completely off the rails this week, attacking a Jewish woman on a NYC subway. And get this: he used his cane as a weapon. The whole thing was caught on camera, and honestly? It’s got people talking. Again. Because let’s face it, antisemitism isn’t exactly new in this city, but the brazenness? That’s what’s scary. The NYPD’s scrambling to find the guy, but activists are saying what we’re all thinking: this isn’t just some random one-off.
So What Actually Went Down?
The Attack Details
Tuesday afternoon. Broadway-Lafayette station. This dude—looked to be in his 60s—spots a 35-year-old woman in traditional Jewish clothes and just… loses it. Starts yelling slurs, then whacks her with his cane. Multiple times. Some folks stepped in, thank God, but by the time cops showed up? Poof. Gone. The woman said she didn’t need an ambulance, but come on—getting hit with a cane’s gotta leave more than just physical bruises.
What the NYPD’s Doing
They released some blurry surveillance pics (classic NYPD move) and are begging for tips. “Targeting someone for their faith is cowardly,” said Transit Chief Kemper. Real original, chief. There’s a $3,500 reward, but here’s the thing—the Hate Crimes Task Force is on it, yet no arrests. Shocking, right?
Here’s Why This Matters
Antisemitism in NYC: By the Numbers
NYPD stats show Jewish folks took the brunt of religious hate crimes last year—up 24%. That’s not just a bump, that’s a trend. Remember that Jewish guy beaten in Times Square back in 2022? This feels like more of the same, just bolder. “They’re not even hiding it anymore,” said ADL’s Scott Richler. And he’s not wrong.
What People Are Saying
Jewish leaders are pissed (rightfully so), calling this part of some “new normal” we shouldn’t accept. The Council of Jewish Organizations wants more cops in subways, and Mayor Adams? He’s doing his usual “we’ll throw the book at them” routine. But listen to David Feldman from the Lower East Side: “Since when do I need to take off my kippah to ride the damn train?” Exactly.
Staying Safe & What to Do If You See Something
Subway Survival 101
- Keep your head up—save the AirPods for your walk-up
- Buddy system works. No shame in it.
- Know where the emergency buttons are. Seriously.
How to Report This Crap
NYPD Hate Crime Hotline: 1-888-440-HATE. Or hit up nypdcrimestoppers.com. Brooklyn DA Gonzalez put it best: “Not saying anything just lets these jerks win.” And yeah, it’s anonymous—no excuses.
Bottom Line
While cops play Where’s Waldo with subway cameras, here’s the ugly truth: hate crimes aren’t going anywhere. New Yorkers are tough, but toughness alone won’t fix this. It’s about calling this stuff out when we see it. Because letting it slide? That’s how we got here in the first place.
Need Help or Want to Help?
- NYPD’s Hate Crime Guide (actually useful)
- Jewish Community Relations Council: (212) 983-4800
- ADL’s Toolkit—because knowledge is power
Source: NY Post – US News
