Multiple victims were injured as the assailants shouted “you guys are Jewish, we wanna kill you all tonight” and “kill all of you Jews.”
By Rachel Avraham
A shocking antisemitic attack occurred in the early hours of July 20, 2025, at Sezam, a kosher restaurant located in the Rego Park neighborhood of Queens, New York. According to eyewitnesses, Bita Golbari, a 51-year-old New York resident, and her friend Elham Sharga (approx. 45) were dining with family when they were assaulted by a group seated nearby.
As Sharga attempted to retrieve her bag from their table, two women allegedly grabbed her by the hair and threw her to the floor. Several men from the same group then joined in, physically attacking Sharga and others at the table. “They were hitting my head, stomach, back, neck…” Sharga recalled.
During the attack, the assailants reportedly yelled slurs including: “You guys are Jewish, we wanna kill you all tonight” and “Kill all of you Jews.” The attack left multiple victims injured. Sharga suffered fractured ribs, while Bita Golbari’s husband was hospitalized with a head injury that led to internal bleeding and severe migraines later that week.
Officers from NYPD’s 112th Precinct filed two police reports following the incident. However, the NYPD did not classify the attack as a hate crime, listing it instead as “assault with intent to cause harm.”
In contrast, the FBI has opened a federal investigation, citing potential hate crime motives. Investigators have already met with the victims to collect evidence and witness testimony.
This difference in approach has sparked public outcry, with many questioning why the NYPD failed to acknowledge the clear antisemitic nature of the attack.
The restaurant manager, who identified himself only as Andrew, downplayed the incident, calling it a “simple dispute among intoxicated patrons.” He denied that anything out of the ordinary had happened. This response has been strongly criticized by the local community and advocacy groups.
According to NYPD and ADL (Anti-Defamation League) data: In 2024, 55% of all hate crimes in New York City targeted Jews. In early 2025, that number rose to 62%. In Queens alone, antisemitic incidents surged by 262% in 2023, with over 1,200 cases documented across NYC.
Advocates say this attack is part of a broader and disturbing trend in antisemitic hate crimes across the city. Public reaction has been swift and fierce. Social media users, Jewish community leaders, and human rights activists have all demanded that: The NYPD reclassify the incident as a hate crime, and authorities arrest and prosecute the perpetrators under federal hate crime laws.
A viral post on X (formerly Twitter) asked: “How many Jews must be hospitalized before NYPD calls it a hate crime?” This case has reignited longstanding concerns about inconsistent hate crime enforcement and the failure of law enforcement to protect vulnerable communities from identity-based violence.
The violent assault on Jewish diners at Sezam kosher restaurant in Queens is a stark reminder of the escalating antisemitism in American cities. Despite eyewitness accounts of antisemitic slurs and physical injury, NYPD’s failure to label the crime accordingly has intensified frustration within the community.
As the FBI continues its investigation, Jewish leaders and human rights organizations are urging swift justice and accountability — not only to protect this community, but to set a precedent that hate will not be tolerated.
Photo from: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/m8tRdUubUEw
