A couple in New York City, Lana and Johan, were assaulted at an elementary school graduation by a family shouting pro-Palestinian slogans. Lana, who is Jewish, and Johan, who is Dominican-American, attended the graduation of their 10-year-old twins on June 14. The altercation began when the couple tried taking pictures with their children in front of a school banner and were pushed aside by the family of a boy wearing a pro-Palestinian graduate cap. An older man in the family shouted “Free Palestine!” for no reason, which led to a confrontation. When Lana’s husband attempted to intervene, he was cursed at in Arabic, and another man punched him in the head. The couple believes they were targeted because Lana is Jewish.
Video footage obtained by the New York Post shows adults fighting outside the elementary school, with Lana’s 16-year-old son also getting punched in the face when he tried to intervene. A woman from the assaulting family pulled Lana’s hair, knocked her to the ground, and threatened to kill her. Johan described a chaotic scene with many people involved in the altercation, including being placed in a chokehold and having his leg grabbed. The New York Police Department confirmed parts of the incident, stating that they arrested Ez-Al Dean Bazar, 26, and charged him with third-degree assault.
The NYPD reported that following a verbal dispute, an individual punched Johan in the face, causing injuries to his head and arm. EMS responded to the scene, but Johan refused medical attention. The NYPD Hate Crime Task Force is currently investigating the incident. Lana described the incident as traumatizing and shocking, especially as it occurred at an elementary school graduation. Despite the assault, Lana and Johan’s main concern is ensuring the safety of their family, particularly their children.
The assault and anti-Semitic nature of the incident have caused concern among the Jewish community in New York City. The family’s verbal and physical attacks were rooted in pro-Palestinian sentiments, with chants of “Free Palestine, Gaza is Ours, Death to Israel” being shouted. The assault highlights the ongoing tensions and conflict in the Middle East, and how they can spill over into communities and cities around the world. The incident also sheds light on the importance of addressing hate crimes and promoting tolerance and understanding among different groups.
The New York City Department of Education has not issued a statement regarding the incident. Lana and Johan’s story has gained attention in the media, raising awareness about the rise of anti-Semitic incidents and hate crimes. Authorities are taking the assault seriously and investigating it as a possible hate crime. The couple’s experience serves as a reminder of the importance of combating hate and bigotry, and promoting unity and inclusivity. Despite the trauma of the incident, Lana and Johan are determined to ensure the safety of their family and speak out against hate in all its forms.
