Some 1000 Hasidic Jews stormed the police station in Borough Park, Brooklyn, yesterday to ask for more police protection after two Hasidim were beaten “for kicks” by two assailants wielding two-by-fours.
The victims, wearing traditional Hasidic garb, were identified as David Denbitzer, 38, and Herechel Mossberg, 22, both residents in the Hasidic community in Borough Park. Taken to Maimonides Hospital after the attack Denbitzer was said to be in fair condition and Mossberg was treated for cuts and bruises and released.
Police reported that the two Hasidim were attacked “for kicks” by Joseph Vellecco, 22. and Joseph Ali, 22, both of Brooklyn. They were booked for possession of dangerous weapons and felonious assault. The police seized the two thugs after one of their victims noted the license plate on the car in which the assailants fled. Both Hasidim were left lying on the sidewalk bloody and bruised.
The protest at the police station came as word of the attack swept like wildfire through the Hasidic community arousing fear resentment and anger. The demonstration began peacefully but at one point, according to police some of the protestors attempted to push through police barricades to get at the assailants inside the station. Police pushed back the crowd and four policemen were slightly injured. They were treated at Maimonides Hospital and released.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
