An arsonist targeted Shalom Japan restaurant in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, setting it on fire in the early hours of November 18. Video footage has emerged, capturing the moment the suspect approached the restaurant and ignited window tarps adorned with the Star of David. The New York Police Department’s Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating the incident as an anti-Jewish act.
The suspect, described as having a dark complexion and a thin physical frame, was seen on surveillance cameras observing the flames before fleeing the scene towards Rodney Street and South 5th Street. The incident occurred around 4:00 a.m. No injuries were reported, and the building did not sustain significant damage.
The arson attack has sparked protests in various cities worldwide, with demonstrations expressing support for both Israel and Palestinians in Gaza. This incident follows a surge in anti-Jewish incidents in New York City, with the NYPD Hate Crime Task Force investigating 69 cases in October alone, marking a 214% increase compared to the same period last year.
The rise in anti-Semitism is further highlighted by the appearance of anti-Jewish graffiti in different areas of the state. Examples include a swastika found on a Jewish deli on the Upper East Side and anti-Israel messages outside a prominent Brooklyn synagogue.
The occurrence of such hate crimes emphasizes the need for continued efforts to combat anti-Jewish prejudice. The investigation into the arsonist’s identity and motive remains ongoing.
