A gang attempted to mug two Baltimore Jews on their way to synagogue to morning prayers on Tuesday, the Baltimore Shomrim said.
Three to four cars reportedly pulled up alongside one of the victims, and muggers emerged to chase him. A victim identified by the Jewish neighborhood watch organization as Eli Neuberger managed to warn his companion.
"I was able to call 911, but I wasn't able to speak," Neuberger told the Shomrim. "These fellows ran across the street, tried taking my phone, and they just hit me on the head.
No major injuries
Neuberger reportedly did not suffer any major injuries and was given shelter by a neighbor, where he was able to contact the police. The Baltimore Jewish Federation said that the incident did not appear to be an antisemitic crime but a robbery.
The victim was in good spirits on social media following the attack, joking about his 15 minutes of fame and that, "After such a harrowing incident this morning, I’m upset the perps didn’t even have the courtesy to offer me a 'free Palestine.'"
Since the October 7 massacre, the Anti-Defamation League has recorded a 315% increase in antisemitic incidents compared to the same time period the year earlier.
The spike in antisemitism has “absolutely” impacted Baltimore, Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, told the Baltimore Jewish Times.
“We’re seeing it on our college campuses in the area,” Libit said. “We’re seeing it in some of the high schools. We’re seeing it on social media in particular. Everyone involved in social media, whether they’re here or anywhere in the world, is seeing a huge spike in antisemitism.”
Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.