ANN ARBOR, MI - Authorities with the Ann Arbor Police Department (AAPD) are investigating a possible hate crime after a 19-year-old man was allegedly assaulted when asked about his religious background.
According to CBS News, the teen was walking in the area of Hill Street and South Forest around 12:15 a.m. on Sunday, September 15th, when a group of unknown men approached him from behind, asking him if he was Jewish. When the young man replied "yes," the group allegedly assaulted him before fleeing the scene on foot.
The victim reported the incident to AAPD later in the afternoon on Sunday. Police said that the victim suffered minor injuries and was not hospitalized. AAPD's hate crimes detective will be the one to investigate the incident. AAPD Chief Andre C. Anderson said in a statement, "I have communicated with the University of Michigan police staff, and our goal is to discuss safety over the next few days. There is absolutely no place for hate or ethnic intimidation in the City of Ann Arbor.
Our department stands against antisemitism and all acts of bias-motivated crimes. We are committed to vigorously investigating this and other hate-motivated incidents and will work with the County Prosecutor's office to aggressively prosecute those who are responsible."
Leaders from Michigan Hillel said that they are in the process of organizing walking groups and rideshares for students who do not feel safe traveling alone. In a statement, the group said, "The safety of our students is our highest priority and we greatly appreciate the University and law enforcement's quick response. Michigan Hillel, in partnership with the university, is determined to ensure that U-M remains a great place to be a Jewish college student. Acts of intimidation and physical violence must end."
This is one of several anti-Semitic incidents reported in Ann Arbor in the last two weeks. In one case, vandals sprayed graffiti on an art installation at Gallup Park. In another, flyers with anti-Jewish rhetoric were distributed in two Ann Arbor neighborhoods. University students expressed their concerns about the attack that allegedly took place on campus.
Aidan Waltman, a student, said, "As a Jewish person on campus, my friends and I, it's something we worry about a lot. So, this incident happening, it reaffirms that fear. So definitely very concerning." Another student, Alyssa Levy said, "It just makes me sad. I was hoping that people also felt shocked and saddened by the news, but I wasn't surprised just because I've heard a lot of things like this happening across campuses all over the country."
Rabbi Eisenberger said, "Again, another incident here in Ann Arbor against the Jewish community. We are under attack. There's nothing to talk about, for sure we're under attack and it's scary times." According to ABCNews4, Michigan Hillel Rabbi Davey Rosen acknowledged the incident in an email to students. He said, "Unfortunately, this incident has marred an otherwise incredible start to the new academic year. Just this past Shabbat, we had 300 students, eating, singing, and having a great time, and today marked Hillel's inaugural 5K run in the Arb."
He added, "In hard times, we are Michigan Hillel draw strength from this incredible community — students, parents, alumni, and friends — and that strength powers our pride and joy in being Jewish and, in particular, being Jewish at the University of Michigan."
Regarding the incident that happened on Sunday, September 15th, University of Michigan President Santa Ono said in a statement, "The safety of our campus community is our highest priority. We are working closely with the Ann Arbor Police Department as they investigate the assault which occurred this morning. We urge anyone with knowledge about the incident to share it with DPSS or the Ann Arbor Police Department. In turn, we will ask that perpetrators be held accountable for their actions.
We stand firmly against antisemitism and all bias-motivated behavior. We are committed to creating a community where every student, faculty member, staff member or visitor can thrive without fear of threats, intimidation or violence." Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact AAPD at 734-794-6939. The Anti-Defamation League is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
