New York City, NY – A Brooklyn man was arrested Monday for allegedly stabbing a Jewish worshipper outside a synagogue after reportedly boasting about wanting to “kill a Jew,” according to police officials. The incident has heightened concerns over a rise in antisemitic attacks in the city.
Alleged Hate Crime Outside Lubavitch Temple
Authorities identified the suspect as Armani Charles, 23, who was taken into custody after a nearly week-long manhunt. Charles is facing hate crime charges for allegedly knifing 35-year-old Elias Rosner in the chest outside a Lubavitch Hasidic temple in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, on December 16.
The victim told authorities and media that Charles was ranting antisemitic slurs, including statements such as:
“I’m going to kill Jewish people, I’m going to kill a Jew today, I don’t give a f–k … We wouldn’t be in this mess if the Holocaust had happened.”
Rosner recounted that he was standing in a crowd of congregants when Charles began brandishing a knife and shouting his threats.
Heroic Response Amid Life-Threatening Attack
Despite being confronted by the assailant, Rosner said he stood his ground, believing in “standing up to bullies.” When he looked Charles in the eye, the suspect allegedly stabbed him once in the chest, just centimeters from his heart, at the corner of Kingston Avenue and Lincoln Place.
Rosner, who has martial arts training, narrowly avoided a fatal blow by using his sweater as a makeshift shield, later describing it as saving his life. Despite the injury, he chased the attacker down the street for another block, footage confirmed by the NYPD.
Rosner was transported to Kings County Hospital, treated for his wound, and released the following day.
Charges Filed Against Suspect
Armani Charles faces multiple charges, including:
- Attempted assault as a hate crime
- Assault as a hate crime
- Aggravated harassment as a hate crime
- Menacing as a hate crime
The NYPD increased security in Crown Heights, adding “dozens of additional officers” following the attack, which occurred during the third night of Hanukkah.
Rising Antisemitic Incidents in NYC
Rosner attributed the attack to a growing trend in antisemitism, citing heightened tensions following the Israel-Hamas conflict since October 2022.
According to NYPD statistics:
- Out of 550 hate crimes reported this year, roughly 305 targeted Jewish residents or property
- In comparison, last year saw 334 of 646 bias incidents labeled as antisemitic
These figures indicate a persistent threat to the Jewish community in New York City, particularly in neighborhoods like Crown Heights.
Community Response
Local leaders and law enforcement continue to emphasize heightened vigilance and community support to protect residents. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing risks faced by Jewish communities in major urban centers.
How can communities and law enforcement better prevent antisemitic attacks? Do you believe current hate crime laws are sufficient to deter such violence?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation.
