ADL Statement on Alleged Antisemitic Stabbing of Orthodox Jew in Lakewood, NJ

New York, NY, April 9, 2022 … ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) is saddened and outraged by a series of attacks that occurred in Lakewood and Jackson, NJ on Friday, April 8, which culminated in the stabbing of an Orthodox Jewish man, and appreciates law enforcement’s quick apprehension of the suspect. After a series of attempted carjackings, the suspect is alleged to have carjacked a vehicle and hit one person with the car. He then hit another person and got out of the car to stab the victim, who was taken to the hospital and is in critical condition. The suspect was arrested last night and is said to have made antisemitic remarks upon arrest. This incident is being investigated by the Lakewood PD, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, and the FBI.

“We are grateful to federal and local law enforcement for their swift response in apprehending the suspect and bringing charges that include bias intimidation,” said Scott Richman, ADL NY/NJ Regional Director. “I am personally horrified at the cruelty with which the suspect allegedly conducted himself. More needs to be done proactively to prevent violence against the Jewish community, and in particular visibly identifiable Jews in Ocean County and across our region. We recommit ourselves and our organization to working with government, educational institutions, interfaith and intergroup partners and law enforcement in order to achieve this goal. Jews should not be afraid to freely go about their business without living in fear that they will be targeted for violence. The past few years have seen far too many assaults against Jews.”

ADL is a leading anti-hate organization. Founded in 1913 in response to an escalating climate of antisemitism and bigotry, its timeless mission is to protect the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment for all. Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of hate with the same vigor and passion. ADL is the first call when acts of antisemitism occur. A global leader in exposing extremism, delivering anti-bias education and fighting hate online, ADL’s ultimate goal is a world in which no group or individual suffers from bias, discrimination or hate. More at www.adl.org.