Israeli Tourist Violently Attacked in NYC – Unbelievable NYPD RESPONSE!

NYPD precinct building with signs on a city street

An alarming attack in Midtown Manhattan raises questions about the safety of Jewish individuals in New York City.

Story Overview

Israeli educator Rami Glickstein was assaulted in Midtown Manhattan.
Despite religious targeting, NYPD classifies the attack as non-hate-motivated.
This incident contributes to a pattern of antisemitic violence in the city.
Glickstein vows to return to New York despite the attack.

Violent Assault on Rabbi in Manhattan

On October 28, 2025, Rami Glickstein, a 58-year-old Israeli educator, was attacked on 38th Street near Times Square. The incident occurred in broad daylight, when an unknown assailant targeted Glickstein for his religious identity, focusing on his kippah. The attack resulted in serious injuries, including a broken nose and bleeding on the brain, leading to his hospitalization at Mount Sinai Hospital.

NYPD’s Controversial Classification

The NYPD has faced criticism for its decision not to classify the assault as a hate crime. Despite the attacker’s clear focus on Glickstein’s religious symbols, the department cited the suspect’s mental instability and a pattern of assaulting non-Jewish pedestrians earlier that day. This interpretation contrasts with the victim’s experience and contributes to ongoing debates about hate crime definitions.

Glickstein, an IDF chaplain and son of a Holocaust survivor, expressed his determination to return to New York, highlighting his belief in the goodness of most New Yorkers, despite the trauma he experienced during his first visit.

Broader Context of Antisemitic Violence

This attack is part of a broader pattern of antisemitic incidents in New York City, which has seen a surge since the Israel-Gaza conflict in 2023. Notable cases include the stabbing of an Israeli yeshiva student in 2024 and a violent attack on Jewish diners in Queens in August 2025. These incidents underscore systemic concerns about community safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement responses.

The incident has heightened fears within the Jewish community and brought attention to the challenges of accurately classifying and responding to hate crimes in urban areas.