A group of anti-Semitic men allegedly harassed and assaulted a Jewish couple Monday evening in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, before fleeing in cars while waving Palestinian flags, Jewish Political News reported.
No arrests had been made as of Wednesday morning, and a description of the suspects was not immediately available, an NYPD spokesman told The Blaze.
The couple, who live in the area, were taking a walk before 8 p.m. when two cars and multiple motorcycles pulled up in front of them and began making "anti-Jewish statements," police said, adding that the couple, in their 20s, was targeted because the man was wearing a yarmulke.
One of the assailants then threw a bottle of water at the woman, while the 27-year-old husband, trying to protect his wife, was punched in the side of his head, according to law enforcement sources. The group then raced back to their waiting vehicles, some of which bore Palestinian flags, and took off, New York Post reported.
The police responded to the scene after being contacted, but couldn't find the suspects. However, they are looking for a 2005 Cadillac Escalade with New York plates and a Nisan Altima with Florida plates.
The city's Hate Crime Task Force was also called to the scene and is reviewing security camera footage.
"Last night's apparent bias attack on the Upper East Side has no place in this area or anywhere in New York City," New York City Council Member Dan Garodnick told JP Updates. "I expect the NYPD's Hate Crimes Task Force and the 19th Precinct to conduct a thorough inquiry to bring the perpetrators of this assault to justice quickly. This kind of hate-fueled violence in New York City cannot stand."
The victims, who have not been identified by authorities, were not seriously injured and refused medical attention at the scene.
Reached for a comment, Council Member Ben Kallos told JP, "I am appalled by the attack that took place on the East Side. Violence, particularly if rooted in bias, is abhorrent and does not belong in our city. I am confident that the incident is receiving a swift and thorough investigation."
In a joint press release, Councilman Dan Garodnick and Brooklyn Councilman David Greenfield said the NYC Council should stand together to shine a light on this hate-driven act and send a clear message that hate crimes are never tolerated in our city, according to JP.
"We must break the pattern of hate-filled violence against the Jewish community. We have zero tolerance for these hate crimes in our city; I urge anyone who may have information related to this upsetting attack to come forward so we can catch these criminals," said Greenfield.
Council Speaker Mark-Viverito released a statement Tuesday afternoon, saying: "Incidents like this are totally unacceptable in New York City, and have no place in our communities - period. All New Yorkers expect and deserve to be safe in our neighborhoods, and I urge anyone with information to come forward and call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS."
The photos of what is believed to be the cars involved in the hate attack can be viewed here.
