Faithful reading a prayer book in front of the Wailing Wall, Jerusalem, Israel. A Jewish man was recently attacked in San Diego California and the attacker tore the man’s tzitzit, and allegedly made antisemitic and anti-Israel statements. DEAGOSTINI/GETTY IMAGES.
SAN DIEGO — A 65-year-old Jewish man was attacked in broad daylight on July 24 at a 7-Eleven just blocks away from the Chabad center at San Diego State University.
“The San Diego man was targeted in alleged antisemitic attack in College Area; The assault happened at the Lindo Paseo and College Avenue 7-Eleven in broad daylight near the San Diego,” said NBC 7 news.
Lt. Adam Sharki, public information officer at the San Diego Police Department, told Zenger News that the SDPD is actively investigating the “disturbing incident” as a hate crime.
“SDPD stands united with our community against bigotry and aggressively investigates these types of incidents,” said to Zenger News.
Sharki said the man was assaulted at about 9:50 a.m. at the convenience store at 5100 College Ave. in San Diego.
“This crime is being investigated by Eastern Division detectives. They are in the process of interviewing witnesses, looking for evidence, and analyzing video footage,” said Sharki. “Anyone with information is asked to contact SDPD or Crime Stoppers.”
Reportedly, the attacker tore the man’s tzitzit, and allegedly made antisemitic and anti-Israel statements. “Tzitzit refers to the strings attached to the corners of the tallit, the Jewish prayer shawl. It also refers to the poncho-like mini- tallit that is worn throughout the day, often under a shirt. God commanded the Jewish people to affix fringes to the corners of their clothing so that they would constantly remember Him and His commandments,” according to Chabad.org.
The nearby Chabad center where the victim attends was the site of previous attacks, including the vandalism of a large menorah in March.
Members of the San Diego Jewish community are on alert while San Diego police investigate a possible hate crime in the College Area.
The antisemitic attack happened within blocks of the Chabad House at San Diego State University when an older Jewish man was physically and verbally assaulted.
Friends of the man who was attacked told NBC 7 he walks through the area frequently and now, he’s scared to leave his house.
Produced in association with Jewish News Syndicate
Edited by Judy J. Rotich and Newsdesk Manager
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