Man Charged in Antisemitic Assaults Targeting Jewish Victims in New York

NEW YORK (VINnews) — A New Jersey man has been charged with federal hate crimes for allegedly assaulting Jewish victims in Manhattan and making antisemitic statements during the attacks, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.

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Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York said Alazim Baker, 29, of Irvington, New Jersey, was indicted on two counts of committing hate crimes stemming from incidents on Oct. 27, 2025. Baker was arrested Wednesday and was expected to appear in federal court later in the day.

According to the indictment, Baker approached a visiting Israeli rabbi near a kosher restaurant in Manhattan, aggressively questioned him about his religion and prevented him from entering the restaurant. Prosecutors allege Baker grabbed the rabbi’s yarmulke, threw it to the ground, stomped on it, spat on it and then punched the rabbi in the face, causing him to fall and suffer injuries, including a brain bleed.

Authorities said Baker shouted antisemitic slurs during the attack and also assaulted another Jewish man who tried to intervene. A third individual was injured while fleeing, prosecutors said. Investigators said Baker was observed carrying brass knuckles during the incident.

“This alleged conduct reflects deliberate, violent targeting based on religion,” U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said in a statement, adding that violence motivated by antisemitism has no place in New York City.

Federal Bureau of Investigation officials said the case underscores a commitment to prosecuting hate crimes and protecting targeted communities.

Each charge carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison if Baker is convicted. Prosecutors emphasized that the charges are allegations and that Baker is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.