Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) condemns a recent stabbing attack against a Jewish man in New York.

According to news reports, the man was walking to a synagogue for morning prayers yesterday when he was beaten and stabbed repeatedly. The perpetrator fled the scene and the victim is in critical condition.

Police are investigating the incident but have not yet described the attack as a hate crime.

“This increase in violent attacks against Jewish people that we are witnessing is extremely disturbing and signals more must be done in education and law enforcement to curtail antisemitism, particularly in the West,” said FSWC president and CEO Avi Benlolo. “Jewish people should not have to worry about their safety when in or walking to a place of worship.”