Full Breakdown
Stabbing Incident in Brooklyn Investigated as Hate Crime
12/18/2025, 9:51:47 PM
Overview of the Incident
On December 12, 2025, Elias Rosner, a 35-year-old member of the Lubavitch Hasidic community, was stabbed in the chest in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, shortly after leaving a synagogue. The attack occurred around 4 p.m. at the intersection of Kingston Avenue and Lincoln Place, where Rosner was approached by an unidentified man who made antisemitic remarks, including threats to kill a Jew. The New York Police Department (NYPD) is investigating the incident as a potential hate crime.
Details of the Attack
Rosner recounted that the assailant shouted, "I’m going to kill a Jew today," and referenced the Holocaust before lunging at him with a knife. Surveillance footage captured the confrontation, which escalated from a verbal dispute to physical violence. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with Rosner stating, "All hell broke loose. He just started stabbing." Despite suffering a deep gash near his heart, Rosner managed to defend himself using his sweater to absorb much of the knife's force, which he credited with saving his life.
Community Response and Safety Concerns
The attack has heightened concerns within the Jewish community, particularly as it coincided with the third night of Hanukkah. Local residents expressed fear and frustration over the rising antisemitism, with one community member stating, "It's super scary. Honestly, it's very, very scary." In response, the NYPD has increased its presence in the area and is actively seeking the suspect, who remains at large.
Official Statements and Investigations
The NYPD's Hate Crimes Task Force is leading the investigation, and police have released images of the suspect, described as wearing a black-and-white jacket with the word "Genuine" on the back. Rosner emphasized that mental health issues should not excuse violent behavior, stating, "There are plenty of people with mental health problems who aren’t bigoted and aren’t violent."
Criticism of Antisemitism Trends
Rosner linked the attack to a broader trend of rising antisemitism, particularly in the wake of geopolitical tensions involving Israel. He noted that such incidents are becoming more frequent and expressed concern over the normalization of antisemitic rhetoric. Despite the recent attack, NYPD data indicates a 9% decrease in reported antisemitic hate crimes this year compared to the previous year, with 305 incidents recorded so far.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I believe in standing up to bullies” — Elias Rosner
- “I was able to catch most of the force of the blade with the sweater and that’s basically what saved my life.” — Elias Rosner
- “There are plenty of people with mental health problems who aren’t bigoted and aren’t violent,” — Elias Rosner
What's Next
The NYPD continues to seek public assistance in identifying the suspect while maintaining heightened security measures in Jewish neighborhoods. Community leaders are advocating for increased awareness and action against antisemitism as they prepare for upcoming holiday celebrations.
