The NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating a brutal antisemitic assault that took place on a northbound F train in Jamaica Hills during the morning rush hour on Monday, Jan. 13. The violent attack occurred at approximately 7 a.m. as the train was approaching the Parsons Boulevard subway station.
According to law enforcement sources, the 27-year-old Jewish victim was subjected to vile antisemitic slurs from an unknown assailant before being physically attacked. The perpetrator allegedly slapped and punched the victim in the face and then forcibly grabbed the mezuzah necklace from around his neck, smashing it on the subway floor. While the sacred Jewish symbol is traditionally affixed to the doorposts of Jewish homes, it is also worn as jewelry for spiritual protection and religious expression.
The destroyed necklace was identified as a Rafael Jewelry Designer’s 14K Yellow Gold Open Filigree Diamond Blue Sapphire Mezuzah Necklace, valued at approximately $2,000.
Following the attack, the suspect fled the train at Parsons Boulevard and was last seen running onto Hillside Avenue. Surveillance images released by the NYPD show the suspect inside the subway car, on the platform, and passing through the turnstile. He is described as having a dark beard and mustache and was wearing a New York Yankees baseball cap under a dark hooded sweatshirt, a burnt-orange overcoat, black pants, and dark sneakers.
Police from the 107th Precinct in Fresh Meadows and Transit District 20 based in the Briarwood train station responded to the incident, but the victim refused medical attention at the scene. As of now, the suspect remains at large, and the NYPD is urging anyone with information to come forward.
Individuals with information regarding this antisemitic hate crime are encouraged to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). Confidential tips can also be submitted online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org or through X @NYPDTips.
Through February 2, the 107th Precinct has reported two hate crimes in 2025, compared to none at the same point last year. The precinct has recorded 18 felony assaults so far this year, down 37.9% from the 29 incidents reported at the same time in 2024. The number of transit crimes in the precinct stands at two incidents, marking a 50% decrease from the four reported last year, according to NYPD CompStat data.
This latest attack underscores ongoing concerns over the rise in antisemitic violence in New York City. Jewish leaders and community advocates are calling for increased security measures and stronger enforcement against perpetrators of antisemitic hate crimes. The NYPD and community organizations continue to work together to ensure the safety of Jewish residents and commuters. Anyone witnessing or experiencing antisemitic violence is urged to report such incidents immediately to the Queens Shmira hotline at (718) 329-4444.
By Shabsie Saphirstein
