Orthodox rabbi beaten with baseball bat in New Jersey town

"Should Israel disappear and fail to exist as a refuge for Jews in the Diaspora, there will be a resurgence of antisemitism that will make current events seem mild" Israel as a "refuge for Jews" is a notion that doesn't quite fly, in my opinion. Most of the world's jewish population hasn't set foot in Israel, has it? Have these jews not been able to survive pretty well? Why would the disappearance of Israel cause a resurgence of anti-semitism? This is just specious reasoning. Actually, there would probably be less anti-semitism if Israel ceased to exist. Because, as I see it, the folly and corruption of Israeli politics and govt. cause a backlash of hatred and resentment against non-Israeli jews worldwide.

oy: I saw the Christian and Muslim population treated like this all the time (in Jerusalem) - beatings, insults flying etc. Shame! You didn't identify the beaters, oy.

I have been living in New Jersey since 1984, and in that time I can recall having seen only two anti-Semitic incidents - one of them being the swastika someone spray-painted one morning in front of our shul and the other being the tombstone-tipping incident of recent weeks (and that second one might not have actually been anti-Semitic: bored teenagers are thought to have done that one). But then again, I don't live in Lakewood.

To date, I have yet to hear of one bus actually being blown up in America, Jewish or otherwise. Yes, there were oklahoma city and 9/11, but those occurred several years ago; yes, there was once a Long Island Rail Road massacre, but that also occurred many years ago. America is pretty safe. So why move to Israel?

This is the Crown Heights nonsense all over again. It sucked in Crown Heights and it's sucking again in Lakewood. While I disagree with the frum people, I would never go about attacking them! That African-American should go and apologize for what he did and pay restitution in some form. What he did was reprehensible and utterly wrong.

What upset me the most about this story is that it got very little coverage even in NJ. It was a one day story by very select media. Also, even though he did not rob the Rabbi and, according to witnesses, screamed, "Jew, Jew, Jew", the police for reasons I can't fathom, are not calling this a hate crime or bias act. A noose hung on a black colleage professor's door is a week long story - even though no one was hurt. A savage unprovoked attack on a Rabbi is barely mentioned. Apparently anti-semitism is still alive and well, sadly, even in the United States.

Years of studying gemorrah has done nothing for Alexander Spira understanding the trap of galut. The food stamps and rent subsidies have created a make-believe world for them. By the time their bubble will burst it will be too late for them. They don't deserve to live in Israel.

Unfortunately this is not the only type of crime against Jews there. About a year ago a religious young woman was abducted in a parking lot in Lakewood, dragged into a van and raped repeatedly. It was widely publicised in the local newspapers and on TV news at the time. She was let go the next morning. There was a huge uproar and outrage in Lakewood?s Orthodox community. Eventually the guy who did it was caught, but it sent shock waves through the Lakewood community for a long time.- S.Shalom She was abducted coming out of a gym. There was no way that she could have been identified as Jewish or Christian. The rapist was caught and also had raped a 48-year-old woman. He had been working in the area only a short time. He also was determined to have mental problems. It was determined that it was a rapist, not an anti-Semite. Tell me S. Shalom, do you think that there are ant-Semite rapists, ant-Christian rapist? Why do you think crimes against Jews are any different from crimes against non Jews?

I know that name Ibrahim is fake and not real. If you look at his posts...he started it, writing bad words in arabic. I don't think he cares about jews more than I do. Again it is not fare, whats wrong with you.

Most Hasidim look like they are Hamish from the 19th century. They need to get some new hats or something. It wouldn't take a lot to look more badass. And I think all visibly Jewish people need to arm themselves because it doesn't seem that safe these days to be a Jew, even in America.

how is sunny perth david? they tell me there are a lot of morons there, clean city, but many morons, seems your one of the majority, david as dumb as you are i will teach you a little history, how many countries/empires collapsed who thought they were invincible? seems alot yes? history WILL repeat itself once again and this time it will be israel and america to follow in russias footsteps, THEY WILL COLLAPSE. so far my predictions have been 100% right, this is another that will follow if howard wins again.

You want VP Cheyney to hunt me down. I suspect that he is way too busy to indulge in such fantasies.

Will you all just lay off "There are no gay Muslims" Hannah. She just said "Long Live Judaism." Shouldn't that settle the matter? She has no problem with Jews, just Zionists. Surely you don't suspect she's disingenuous?

Amen!

there is absolutely no excuse for ANY act of unprovoked violence based on ethnic or religious difference! and those who commit or condone those acts...NO MATTER WHO THEY ARE... are the lowest forms of God's creation! and anyone who stigmatizes or stereotypes other people...no matter for what... IS JUST AS GUILTY AS THOSE WHO CARRY OUT SUCH ACTS! there is NO SUCH THING as "righteousness"! it simply does NOT exist.

The fact that it's a rabbi and a metal bat used upon him makes it look like an antisemitic act only if you are looking for antisemitic acts. Metal bats are regularly used for baseball and softball and the mentally disturbed are equal opportunity. One can't discount the possibility that it is a hate crime, but to assume that a priori an attack on a Jew is a hate crime is a stretch. How could the attacker know he is a rabbi? He could be Schmulka the shoemaker or Tzvi the bookie.

Danite, I am sorry but I do not remember. However, most of my exchanges evolved around Tamir who made fun of the beating of the Rabbi. In fact, I went back to see of I wrote that sentence, but did not see it in any of my messages. Many thanks for your attempt to verify who is who. Once again, I am at pastparadigms@yahoo.ca Best Regards,

Hi zmogus: At the time of the crime and during the follow-up it was reported by the media as an act violating not just the girl but also that it was part of the anti-religious atmosphere in the Lakewood area as the population of religious Jews grows there the hostility of some gentiles has gotten out of hand. It was not "my evaluation" about what happened -- I was just reporting it as it was reported then. The local Lakewood religious Jewish community certainly felt that it was an act that violated them as a community and not just a random attack against the girl.

I responded to GZLives request for links with two separate messages several hours ago. Where are those messages? He accused a poster of lying because he couldn't find the information that was referred to. I found him links. please post them.

Danite, to tell you the truth, I've communicated for a long time with Tosefta, and I don't have a decisive understanding on the "true nature of the person" who I admire. I often realize that Tosefta humours situations which are uncomfortable or have unclear aspects to a story. Now I do know that he doesn't emotionally react by coming to conclusions without all evidence, and he's quite openminded. You mention that I admire Tosefta and some of his posts, his political stance, progressiveness, etc. but you do realize Danite, that I very much admire you as well! Hopefully one day we'll drink l'chaim for an established peace in the Middle East and a greater sense of calm for our communities. PS. If you wouldn't want Tosefta to join us, I'd understand given your history with him on Talkback! I wouldn't like it if I was repeatedly called a dumb dog either.

those that commit anti-semitic acts and a mental deficiency in the individual as well? I think for someone to commit in actuality a hate crime, that there is an element of having an unhealthy mental state, anger is one thing about an issue, but to commit a violent act towards an innocent person is totally unjustified. We can't come to total conclusion about labelling this type of crime but the fact that it's a rabbi and a metal bat used upon him, makes it look like an anti-semitic act. But I believe that the Jewish community should not live in fear as a result of this crime, but rather to put it into perspective and appreciate the tolerance of the overwhelming majority of Americans and acceptance of our differences. Unfortunately, tragedies occur all the time globally whether a hate crime or by those with mental issues.

Just to verify that you are the real ibrahim, you told me of something of yours that the army destroyed, what was it?? Regards

An idiot hitting a Rabbi a holocaust does not make. An idiot ranting about the Holocaust weakens it`s meaning until the memory of the Holocaust becomes worthless. Chris Linthwaite Chris just does not get it. The Holocaust today is a metaphor for the suffering of the Jews though out the millenia.(ya I know chris there never was any suffering). Jews who understand reality know it is not over and may never be over. The Chinese say that the start of a long journey begin with he first step as does hitting a rabbi lead to more suffering for the Jews. In case your history is off a bit the holocaust was not perpetrated by a middle age barbaric hoard, but within the life time of people that are still alive, by a so called modern enlightened state.

Unfortunately, these kinds of attacks are nothing new. When Rabbi Meir Kahane of blessed memory was alive, his followers used to take care of anti-semites such as the person with the bat. As a result, Jewish property and neighborhoods were protected. It should be noted that if the attacker with a baseball bat was a religious Jew, and the victim was an African-American, the "Reverend" Al Sharpton, and Jesse Jackson would have been in Lakewood, NJ in mass demanding justice. However, when it is the other way around, Jewish blood is cheap. We remember what happened in 1991, in Crown Heights, when for three days and nights, crowds of Black thugs attacked the Jewish community in Crown Heights. Again, had Kahane been alive at that time, the riots wouldn't have lasted a day. There is an undeclared war in the United States between Blacks and whites, especially between Blacks and Jews. There are on a per capita basis, far more attacks by Blacks against whites, than the other way around.

"...the world revolution will come..." What are you ON???!!! The only revolution is that inside what passes for your grey matter. Hope I haven't confused you. Racially intolerant, anti-west, pro-violence "Australians" like you we don't need. You will continue to remain a minority, because god wills it. Allah hu akbar.

Another state built on racism is VAtican. Do they have anyone in their government that isnt Catholic. Maybe we should call back our embasador or boycott them.

"The NJ authorities should invite VP Cheney to hunt you down, Bird from Outerspace." My, my. Getting ever more strident are we? Your vehemence is surprising. getting increasingly tasteless, tosser. Mind u don't bust your boiler, you silly old man.

G_D works in strange ways. He scattered us across the face of the earth. He did not punish us he wanted to make sure his children servived WE cannot be in one country. There must be an Israel for those running and those who desire to live there.

In NYC people get shot, stabbed, pushed off subway platforms, down flights of stairs, etc. by mentally ill people all the time. Please submit your evidence proving this is not just another one of those attacks.

Hi Ibrahim, Whoever did post that fake post has demonstrated their bigotry,not to mention a lack of relevant material. Incidentally that book by Abu Nimah is titled "One Country".He may be somewhat naive but puts up some very interesting and positive arguments for his case. Regards

If you read the New York papers you would read about incidents like this all the time. People are attacked by the mentally ill on a regular basis. Earlier this week a man ran into a restaurant, stole some knives, and then ran down the street slashing people. Should this man get special treatment because he is a rabbi?

Oh Hannah what a bloviating fool you are....I doubt the Hague will be free to try anyone for another 100 years...they will be to busy with the islamo/fascists.

Earlier this week a man stole some knives from a restaurant in NYC and started slashing people on the street.Such things happen all the time. Why is it "obviously" a hate crime?

Probably the main reason for the difference in attacks between there and here is that we still pay attention to civil liberties. NOBODY here would even contemplate such measures as administrative detention. Stalin was pretty good at maintaining order too, but at what price.

Here in California, security guards in high schools are being criticized for dealing more harshly with black rabble rousers students. Activist groups are blaming, you guessed, the mainly while guards, racial prejudice and intolerance, and outright discimination. In other parts of the country, we know that black hoodlums are patronized...at the expense of white victims. In NYC, years ago, blacks were heard making threatening remarks, after an unfortunate accident. Yet Jews are against owning guns..against the NRA, are still liberal and do-gooders, and almost always favor the minority (at their own expense). That rabbi needed protection while walking home..where were they? Maybe the Jews in NJ should hire a few of their brethren in Israel, to show them how to fight or at least protect themselves. Karate is not the answer. any street thug can overcome the defense. Israel's proven self-defense is far better. Isn't it time the US cowering Jew learned something about defense?

Your population statistics do not interest me. The topic is, "Orthodox rabbi beaten with a baseball bat in New Jersey town."

A contradiction in terms...Don't waste your time..They'll only leave when they have to, and who needs them anyway ?

Sorry, the correct email address is: pastparadigms@yahoo.ca Thanks.

I must say that this article is very upseting, but many of the comments made in response to this article on the part of readers are equally upsetting. This article demonstrates an unfortunate and vivid case of ethnic tension in a particular town in NJ. However many readers would like to take this article and extrapolate far too much. The United States is one of the least anti-semetic countries in the world in 2007. In sometimes strange ways communities that never have embraced Jews have come to strongly support Jews, i.e. evangelical Christians and Jewish communities thrive accross this nation. I can think of many suburbs of major American cities, Boston, NYC, Chicago, where Jews enjoy amongst the best standards of living in the world in communities large enough to enjoy a rich cultural life. Israel offers so much, the homeland, history, a Jewish govt and military, but the US is still a great place to live as a Jew.

Behind every disabled man, there are always able men. Never do anything standing that you can do sitting, or anything sitting that you can do lying down. Be not afraid of going slowly, be afraid only of standing still. Going too slow is losing a cow for the sake of a turtle. A job of a thousand posts begins with a single line.

is #168 yours?? I hope not.

Just to make sure you are the real Ibrahim, what of yours was run over by an Israeli tank.Regards

Hello Ibrahim. Being gay is not a bad thing? I'm one of them.

Who ever posted # 168 is not me, Ibrahim. I am not a gay Arab. Whoever posted that is committing an act of fraud. Please post. Ibrahim

Message truly appreciated. I am at, pastparadigms@yahoo.com Would love to hear and exchange more thoughts. Respectfully, Shalom

to say about europeans? Did Europeans invade Iraq? Did europeans lie to the UN about WofMD in Iraq? By the way how's the Arian Nation doing? Oh, soory and the KKK also? Are they still allowed to roam the steets? Usally I'd say do not trow stones while still in a glashouse... The religious US is in no way better for jews than the secular Europe.

If you've lost your enthusiasm, there's no better place to find it than on a skipping break. And, you might just find your lost time as well! People ask why I skip and I give the incomparable reason of "why not?" There's another powerful benefit of skipping which is that it adds anger and negative energy to the world. I think skipping could be the answer to many of our boredom problems. Time sure flies when you skip an hour.

Since #167 cam out after my response, I would add the following.I have known americans all my life, I have many friends and familly in the states and I am in the states at least 4-5 times a year. I often defend the US in conversations with europeans and canadians often to the point of their total exasperation and cooling of relations with me,and I often paraise here the many virtues of americans and of the US so yes I know the US very well.As I said if you cant have an objective conversation lets drop it now, okay? Regards

Did I say how tolerant the non american world is?? Did I compare the US to any other nation?? Can we talk about the US on its own terms??? I repeat I am not being anti american, in fact I am pro american, but those are my honest observations, the US simply allows things to reach points after which their is no going back.Americans simply refuse to accept any collective action to solve collective problems.Everything is downloaded onto the individual with no consideration of the context in which those individuals are living.Everything ebbs and flows with 'the market" their is no check and balance by the public power, the results are clear to be seen.I am just trying to have an objective conversation, if you are going to take me wrong, lets drop it I dont care.Regards Amigo.

worth reading, no arguments no objective opinion, nothing relevant tho the article above, just some self-loating accusations without prove against somebody you can't find something relevant to say. I do pitty you and those of your resentfullness and ignorance.

Here is the article I mentioned. Read it and then sing your praise for how racially tolerant the non-American world is. And this is far from the only incident in Europe lately. Maybe now we should engage is some stereotypes about Europe and Europeans and their violent, intolerant behavior. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/08/AR2007100801464.html?wpisrc=newsletter

I enjoy much more freedom and safety in America as a gay Arab than I would anywhere else.

Funny, but my Irish friends, living both in Ireland and the UK, often talk about how violent their societies can get. Would you like to talk about racial tensions? There were articles recently printed in Washington Post about the anti-immigrant movement in Switzerland. One story reported how an African immigrant was attacked with a CHAINSAW upon his opening his door, with Europeans shouting that Africans should go home. There has been a wave of articles written about contemporary Europe's growing hostility towards immigrants, particularly those who are not white. Racism and violence are hardly American monopolies. I would even say that our race relations are far more respectful than in other places, and one can see this by looking at how people of different races have made the ranks of senators, secretaries of state, and even popular presidential candidates. You sound like someone who engages in stereotypes about America but hasn't spent much time here.

If Zionism and the existence of Israe is the cause of Anti-Semitism, then how do you explain the Pogroms of the 19th century, or the Spanish Inquisition or even the Holocaust? Your ignorance knows no limits....

"FYI - this African American fellow was not just walking down the street. he was trespassing in someones back yard & the Jewish fellow held him down until the police came. the question was if it was excessive force or not. Just a point of face." I've looked everywhere in the local news for anything even resembling your assertion and have found absolutely nothing. How about posting a link to your claim otherwise as usual its yet more misinformation apparently to suit some agenda YOU have.

No need to apologise Ibrahim , its been a while since I have enjoyed such fine prose and poetry!!!I didnt get everyword but most of it,you must have done well in literature!!!! it is also appreciated that you dont mince your words about these kinds of disgraceful and deranged attacks, hate crimes are everybodies problem.Regards

It seems that it is human nature to blame others for one's mistakes and misfortunes. That may be the reason for the New Jersey attack, as well as for Hannah's inferences concerning Zionism. It may also account for why many Israeli's blame everything on the Palestinians, ignoring the fact that they now occupy land that was lived upon for thousands of years by Arabs. In business, regardless of the issue or circumstance, I've learned that there are ALWAYS two or more sides to every story, and there are rarely NO absolute truths, when it comes to conflict. Those who believe that their TRUTHS are the ONLY TRUTHS, are the true bigots and provocateurs. Let's just hope that they do not become our leaders.

That's very sad it's happening in America. Be careful guys, a lot of poor black people have been recruted and indoctrinated by the radical muslim groups. Insanity or pure hatred cannot explain alone such barbaric act. It's most probably religiously or politically motivated. There are crazy people in the street, alone not in a pack or gang, but not that crazy as to savagely attack an innocent passerby. Watch out for the bloody mad!

"There are many more women than there are rapists, yet it is the women who are at risk from rapists. The Jewish community in this town cannot take the law into its own hands.. Your attempts at defaming Jews and siding with antisemites is despicable." - CJ Cone What a beautiful example (for a Martian). You justify the fear of a 5:1 larger community, and even call my view of this "defaming Jews". (And how do I side with antisemites here?) Better go to Israel and convince everyone to leave the country. What do you know, the ratio of Jews to Arabs in Israel is only 4:1, to say nothing of the surrounding Arab countries. Don't be surprised if people view you as an intolerable fool who fell to Earth as punishment from the gods. "It is an ill thing to knock against a deaf, an imbecile, or a minor. He that harms them is culpable, but if they harm him they are not culpable." - Talmud

Jake, you are reading fake history. What makes you think that one should beleive everything you read? In my extensive travel in the Middle East, It became very evident to me that; ä) the majority of Arabs do welcome the Jews as neighbors, b) do want to live side by side with Israel, c) do conduct business with Israeli firms, d) do condemn acts of terror against civilians, BUT DO NOT have any power over those who want to keep their army and war institutions in place for survival, and the fanatic movements they help create as a result of their policieis. It is not as simple as you think. It is obvious that you are a student of certain history books. (not real history though) With people like yourself, how will peace be achieved????? You have attacked what seems to be an Arab who denounced a wrongful attacke against an innocent Rabbi. I just do not get it. What a shame. I no longer wonder why there is no peace.

The Hasidim movement in general is non zionist. You are a fool.

first and foremost, this is a disgusting act, no jew, arab, christian should ever ever have this happen to them. now, unfortunately this is a prediction, many jews around the world will be targeted, the african-american are tired of being racialy abused and not heard, while the jews scream anti-semitism and are heard, the world revolution will come, and if israel doesn't get it's act together, it will be israel no more, i'll say it again, iran, russia and china will be there to wipe israel off the map, don't think it will be the arabs, they have nothing to do it with.

even here I had to discover disgusting posts about such a simple crime as about a human being who was badly beaten with a baseball bat. I won't name names, but all those entering this site with comments meant (disguisingly, of course) to minimize the deed, or explain, even demonstrate, who is stronger - whites or blacks - in an American town, is racist beyond description! Armenians and Hollocaust were thrown in for good measure... I didn't read everyting but I suspect that blaming Zionism is also part of the "DISCUSSION"...

So Dirk, when a big dark Surinam man comes to you with a baseball bat and beats the sh*t out of you, will you say: "okay, that is fine by me, cause my ancestors used to abuse and take advantage of your ancestorts who were slaves to the white Dutch people in the Surinam jungles"??? Or should you, being Dutch, be held responsible for the suffering in Indonesia?? or what about the more recent events in Srebenica? where the Dutch soliders failed big time??? Think Dirk, think !!!!

The Rev's Al / Jesse & Co. are still in the mind set of the slave ship days. When they wake up from the sad sack/poor me dream then they will see that everyone has civil rights and is a minority.

My dear Quasi (catchy name isn`t it) Quasimodo reference was for ugliness of your immage, your spirit, your name calling, & of course your lack of we all know what. Bay Area is not SF. Oops, I am sorry that is a tough one for the schoolarly nuggin of your extremely high rank. You are clever & doing the right thing ignoring me. The rare references I make in adressing you are references to your posts, not to you & not for you, simply showcasing you as an example(I thought you have picked up on my `artistic` style long ago & yet you are still talking about the fog). You perfectly understand that you are no match for me on my worst day. I `eat amatures like you for brakfest & spit them out`. Sorry if I have disappointed you & if not I am very happy Sincerely yours

Please, by all means, browse through the Bible or Koran or any other historical record and find for me reference to such a nation of "Semites",or any reference to the original Arabs being descended from the Jewish people. It's like this. Jews are from Judea (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). Arabs are from Arabia (Adnan and Qahtan). Abraham came from Aram Naharaim, northern Mesopotamia, beyond the Arab world, and died in Hebron, never went to Arabia. Mohammed came from Mecca and died in Medina, never went to Israel or Jerusalem. Why can't Arabs just respect the Jews as neighbors? Why does everything in tiny Israel have to be 'shared', while 22 Arab countries are shared with no one? I just don't get it.

You are the one who is shameless, as always. There are many more women than there are rapists, yet it is the women who are at risk from rapists. The Jewish community in this town cannot take the law into its own hands. Nor should they. It is the responsibility of the authorities and civic leaders to try to defuse any tension among the various residents. Your attempts at defaming Jews and siding with antisemites is despicable. You also have to take lessons in reading comprehension since you totally misunderstood the last sentence of my previous post.

All community leaders in Lakewood should join together to create an inter-ethnic forum which will deal with grievances on all sides and build co-operation to stop these crimes. May the Rabbi have a refuah shleima and may we merit the time of Moshiach now - where all souls on earth will live in harmony!

Thank you Danite. Please accept my apology for the words used to respond to Tamir. The last thing we all need during these challenging times is someone like Tamir, or his likes. Salam and Shalom from N. America. PS: I also enjoyed your responses to others.

Hannah as a proud Zionist and former American, I can truly say that you are a total moron. I live in Tel Aviv and never killed anyone nor did I drive anyone out of their home. If you had ever read a book or anything that would inform you, it would be possible for you to see that everwhere that arabs in this region live it is total crap and everywhere we live it is lush and beautiful. The only reason arabs attack us is that they are jealous of us, our ingenuity, our industry and our ability to live here in peace. All Zionists are Jews and proudly call Israel our home. It is a real shame that idiots like you keep posting on our websites but freedom of speech is known to us and censored everywhere in the arab world. May I suggest you go live in Iran?

For Joshua no. 24 Actually Josh, I wasn't speaking about illegal Hispanics at all, that was your spin on what I said. The truth of the matter is that a combination of Hispanic church priests who foment anti-Semitism together with large groups of Hispanic people living in the US who never knew Jews in their native lands are thus vulnerable to anti-Semitic vitriole. Those individuals who show their ignorance of us as well as other cultures are often American citizens.

We all see your pathetic attempts at damage control here.Your ludicrous posts show you up for what you are, a paranoid anti semite.Get it dummy?

According to tosefta the motives of somebody walking around with a bat and who choses a jew out of all potential targets, thses motives are "not clear" to tosefta.Like the lady in paris who was attacked according to tosefta because she was talking too loudly on her cel phone, the fatc that they screamed anti semitic insults at her makes no impression.Are you starting to understand the true nature of this person you admire?? he is not normal smadar.

Well said Ibrahim!!!

Tamir Palestine, you moron! Your stupidity, and that of sadly millions more who are brainwashed like yourself, live in a perpetual state of extremism that is absolutely wrong. You and your type will never win favor in the afterlife by murdering innocent people because their faith is different from yours. All of gods children are important,and we should all learn to respect those who believe differently than ourselves. Get a life! (and I don't mean take one).

Maskeen ya Tamir. Ismaa ya Hayawan lazem tilhas teezi min alaan ila ishaar akhar. Ma tinsa tsallem ala okhtak wa akhbirha inno nessiat al kalsoan indi bilbait. Bass ana ghasalto. Kanet azeemeh.

Why injecting Islam in this attack? Just examine this post and see many Moslems denounced the attacke against the Rabbi? Does it bother you to see Muslims in this post denouncing the attack on the Rabbi?

Waleed,how right you are. I'm so tired of the constant hatred and killing due to religious beliefs and enormous ignorance. The great irony is that jews and arabs have so many similarities, yet so much hatred. I don't get it.

WHAT HAPPENED IN jERSEY IS HORRIFFIC, HOWEVER, THERE ARE MANY MANY ORTHODOX JEWS WHO WALK THE STREETS ALL OVER THE UNITED STATES AND THEY ARE ACCEPTED AND THERE ARE MANY NON JEWS SAYING SHABBAT SHALOM TO THEM. AND ALSO WISHING THEM HAPPY NEW YEAR, ETC. MANY PLACES IN U.S. EMBRACE CULTURAL DIVERSITY. SO, NO WE DON;T HAVE TO GET READY, NOR DO WE TOLERATE THIS SORT OF THING HAPPENING IN AMERICA,,,,,

Danny, do you think Jews living in NJ is incitement like Jews living in Jerusalem is? So is this beating deserved? Tell us Danny.

Jake, You just defrauded history. Semites is not a 19 Century invention in Germany. Semites, or Al Samieen, is the identity of early settelrs of the Ffertile Crecent, the land of those who decended from Abraham. Do not forget that Arabs are decendants of the Jews. In other words, Arabs are biologically and historically Jews. So what is your point?? Pointless. Shalom, Salam ,Peace.

You are very rude arent you?? Tirgah al madrasseh! Yallah charik

There seems to be this undertow of violence and tension always lurking just beneath the surface waiting to break out.Whether due to deep racial or economic tensions american society seems divided into highly hostile camps each sharing public space to a certain degree but with no cohesion or connection to each other.The whole thing is very negative,its always sink or swim, win orlose, all or nothing, its all about money and the dramatic effects having or not having has. I get the feeling that the US is in some kind of darwinian rush day in day out. Nothing against america, I like america just my honest observation as I go there often in the course of a year. Its like when you go camping, you are safe and cozy around the camp fire with your friends and you hear something big moving in the woods.I get the feeling in the states like their is always something prowling inthe darkness where the light fades out and the jungle begins.Regards

"An Orthodox Rabbi is viciously attacked, but insane Tosefta thinks that blacks have to fear Jews. Maybe Tosefta thinks that Jews use the blood of Christian children to bake matzot." - CJ Cone Black can be made to fear Jews if there are 5 Jews to each Black. Do you realize the potential? Or perhaps you thing that with 35,000 Jews and 7,000 Blacks there are 5 blacks to every Jew? We know your math is poor, but I was hoping not that poor. And this shameful conclusion. Why do you assume the Blacks in Lakewood are Christian? What is this, racial profiling? The NJ authorities should invite VP Cheney to hunt you down, Bird from Outerspace.

Smadar, the attack was cruel but we actually don't know (from the article) if it was a hate crime or not. The attacker might have been a Black anti-Semite or just a crazyman without any particular motive. There is a larger question here, though. How should the community react? If they react with fear of antisemites I have little sympathy for them. Population statistics show that there are over 5 Jews to every Black. If they are fearful, let them live in some desert or go to Israel. If they show any initiative, they can take care of themselves. One of the least compelling cases I have ever heard of.

First time I hear that anybody has called me Quasimodo. I doubt this is true. TonyL, our Fogman from San Francisco, lives in so much fog that you can't trust anything he says. I ignore his posts. I also recall Quasimodo as a good man. Did he not rescue Esmeralda? Wasn't the bad guy his brother Dom Prollo? Perhaps Fogman got confused in the translation.

Tosefta, I was last in Lakewood, NJ, on my way to the 50th anniversary of the founding of NAS Lakehurst in 1971. I chose to have a beer in the wrong (black) bar in Lakewood. I was TOLERATED. But I understood that I was only tolerated. I have no idea what some Orthodox Jew was doing in Lakewood this year. Nor can I understand why he was not Tolerated, or by whom. In fact, I have no information to extend my personal comprehension from the article. I guess it might be nice to guess in the dark what the hell is going on, but I don't think so.

why are we assuming that this was a hate crime against Jews?....This could just be some nutcase!

What do you do when an apologist is UNABLE to read straight and understand fine details? Can you argue with him? On what basis? Logic doesn`t work! Here are a few examples, for not reading what is there or "reading" what is not there: 1. "Today, Senator Fulbright would not have said that [Jews control the Senate] because everybody knows that the Jewish Lobby controls the US Congress on Israel-related issues. "In 1997, Fortune magazine asked Congressmen to rank the "25 most powerful" lobbying organizations in DC. In 2005, the National Journal did the same. Both times, AIPAC came in 2nd - ahead of, for instance, the AFL-CIO and the NRA, but behind the AARP." - Wikipedia" - Tosefta (with Wikipedia source in the original message) "Tosefta reasoning?? You claim as proof that the "jews sontrol congress" because "everybody knows" they do.Is that what you call reasoning??LOL" - Danite Of course, Danite the apologist could not remain silent when the well known fact about AIPAC was stated. Let us say that his rage blinded him to the evidence cited. The only problem is his rage blinds him to what is actually said on a REGULAR basis. Here is another funny example: 2. This case has to do with Ann Coulter?s remark to a Jewish interviewer that Jews should become Christian, and that Christianity is the "perfection" of Judaism. The interviewer took this to be an anti-Semitic remark. I was not supportive: "Every religion worth its salt wants to convert the rest of the world. If they believe they have the true way to God, then wishing to spread the word is very natural.. It used to be, before the rise of Christianity, that some 10% of the Roman Empire was Jewish (according to S. Baron). Obviously, there were many converts among them. Christianity transformed itself from the ethnic religion of the Jews, with its sense of superiority towards others, into a universal religion. Islam did the same, and both of theses religions became extremely successful (in the sense of gaining multiple converts)." - Tosefta Sounds like an obvious truth, but Danite the Apologist would not tolerate it: "Toseftas hate on parade. . What si the attitude or was the attitude untill recently of christianity to non christians?? Or that of Islam to non Muslims?? All because a religion has pretensions to universal dictatorship doesnt make it somehow egalitarian." - Danite Did anybody mention egalitarianism here? The issue is the desire of true believers to convert others, which Judaism did too, but stopped the practice. The hint must have been too subtle for Danite the comprehension-challenged Apologist. Combine this problem with a certain lack of intelligence and you get a constant nuisance for the rest of us. (continued)

Over 100 million Africans died during the slave trade.Yet no one calls it a holocaust & it is largely ignored in american history books, while there is constant discourse about the Jewish holocaust which took place in germany.Like it or not, Blacks see this as an affront.Countless movies come out of Hollywood regarding the Jewish Holocaust...Almost nothing in regards to Black Americans who continue to face the most extreme forms of racism daily. This is part of the reason for animosity between some Blacks & Jews..much dialogue is needed to resolve these issues.

Jeremy, no African American owes you anything! We appreciate the help from Jews during the civil rights era but you overstate the importance of their contributions. Why do other people constantly try to take credit for our successes?(the pyramids, abolition of slavery;ever hear of the underground railroad? or General Toussaint of Haiti anyone?)It was the economic boycott of the system by Blacks that made the civil rights movement work. Black folks have since felt abandoned overall by the Jewish community....

Quasimodo, May I call you Quasi for short? Anyway, as I recall Quasimodo was a friendly guy, although hard to get to know, that harmed no one, saved damsels in distress. The only disparaging comment that might be made of him is that he hung out in the belfry, but considering the times?. Keep up the good work, it is appreciated here and I know by others as well. You might consider cutting back on the belfry hangout. It can tarnish the reputation in some quarters.

Walak ya airy inta ma tefham shi bedinya. You are really a sad person.

to do with the fact that this was a vicious attack on a Jew and the number of Blacks, Whites and Hispanics in this area of New Jersey is not the issue. It was a brutal anti-semitic crime, clearly and probably premeditated.

I wonder if the reason for the silence is that the victim is a white Jewish Rabbi, and the perpetrator with the baseball bat is an African-American.- Johnny Weintraub You are obviously an idiot, or a Jew making a profession being a perpetual victim. (Read feeling sorry fro yourself). Then again, maybe you don?t understand Jesse and Al. THEY HATE WHITES! It could be a Christian white, Muslim white or Jewish white person. What is unanswered is why the attack. Could it be that the man had been cheated by the Rabbi, or insulted, or whatever. Regardless, the attack was unwarranted and wrong. But your accusations are as extreme as my examples to you. The Armenian holocaust and Jewish holocaust is over, Step into the modern world.

Out Islamist/Leftish posters come up with all sorts of puerile concoctions about the whys for such attacks . These people have half of their brains malfunctioning; talking to them is almost useless. Lakewood is a small town. Was a resort town yrs ago, but hardly today. The Orthodox developed large yeshiva networks there and the bulk of the religious community is poor , as usual. So they comingle with the poor Blacks and Mexicans. This milieu has always been the source of random anti-jewish violence. These neighbors r just frustrated , angry , prejudiced, etc. So I am not surprised about it at all. In a larger context, it is folly to claim that there is no antisemitism in the USA. There is plenty of it. Thats why I am pro Israel; Jews need a place to call their own. Unfortunately , we r the a people that assumed a vanguard role in the spiritual life of humanity. Vanguards need force to protect it. We lost all we ever had and never had too much of it.

You are one angry b....! Breathe deeply, go out and have some fun or why don't you just get off this site instead of regurgitating your venom here ad nauseam? If you want to make a point that people will take seriously, maybe you should think about your over-the-top rhetoric and sloganeering. What does the beating of a Rabbi in New Jersey have to do with the Arab-Israeli conflict? The man could even be a Netourei Karta anti-Zionist for what I care... Admit you have a problem and try anger management counseling together with some new-generation prescription drugs, we'll all be so much better off after you regain your humanity. See, you are one of these usual suspect-useful idiot trolls that always are on the frontlines to fight the cause till the last Palestinian. When peace finally comes and we all be enjoying the fruits of peace with our Arab neighbors, Insha'Allah, you'll still be doing what you are doing by spewing out your unfiltered hate because that's what you are good at... Hannah, I pity you. With love, Michel

or Crown Heights for that matter? Are you familiar with the tensions there and the often outsiders who feed it? Are you an ignorant biggot trying to score points? No,you do not sound out of character at all.!

and Sharpton to start a riot.

I agree with ur humanitarianism . But ur logic or grasp of reality is quite another matter. Do u remember Maalot? Do u remember the yr in which it occurred and if prior to that , the IDF ever killed a Pali kid? U r confusing war with a planned attack of civilians to spread fear amongst the enemy.All of u, whether Islamists or leftist continually confuse the two. I can only think of two reasons for u doing so--- Hate of Israel or leftist confusion of modalities of warfare. Whichever , u r barking up the wrong tree! It sounds insane!!!

An Orthodox Rabbi is viciously attacked, but insane Tosefta thinks that blacks have to fear Jews. Maybe Tosefta thinks that Jews use the blood of Christian children to bake matzot.

How could all of us be so safe in Israel, when you have neo-Nazi Russians in Israel who attack Jews and make them beg for forgiveness for being Jewish?

I'm pretty sure this random Black man does not care about "supporting the military junta of Israel" thats just about the dumbest thing I have heard. This is just a case of pure inter-race-hate.. nothing more. No politics.

Generally you are correct, but we only like to generalize when we are in the hurry or hiding something in its vast `forest`, right? Since we have an ability to break this apart we should. The type of an assult when a person comes out of nowhere in the middle of the day to ravage the face of another person with the bat can basically occur in the state of rage of exploded feeling if: It is domestic rage Road rage Crafted or sudden explosion of revenge (gang or mafia style) maliciously brainwashed or `lobotomized` rage against targeted element. You make the choice.

How exactly is my country a negative society? The most negative people seem to be those in societies who define themselves exclusively in opposition to America and stand for nothing else.

...read "Blacks and Jews - The Secret Relationship", this shitty book make by "The Nation of Islam" -a mosk full of antisemitic Blacks-. This book is as "good" as the Protocols of the Elders of Zion... According to this book, all the bad things the Blacks suffered from ... happened because of the Jews (as usual, in an antisemitic rhethoric). Moreover, according to this book, Jews are the source of all the ugliness in the society (prostitution, etc...). The ones who (choose to) believe such bullshit are monsters, and deserve to go to hell, right now, on earth : death is for such pigs (I apologize for the pigs, who don't deserve such a comparison).

Actually the strongest pro-israel lobby here in the US is not found among jews but among christians.

Are you advocating the same, Dutch? I hope not. Many thousands of Jewish people in various countries, long to live peacefully and do not support Israel's warmongering and elitist activities. None the less, Israel's chauvinistic ideology that promotes racism/apartheid is to blame for for rising anti-Semitism. You just watch, right-wing Israel and her supporters will continually make similarities between real acts of anti-Semitism, such as the cruel attack in NY and apply it to any criticism of the state Israel. Peace.

Hey there fellow Chicago Jew! You know, my Brandeis-educated parents went on some of the marches in Boston and DC. They always extolled the virtues of equal rights for all Americans. SO MANY Jews did during the civil rights era - tikkun olam and all that. But I've never felt like we've gotten any of that love back in return from the black community. Why did we EVER assume we as Jews were in the same boat as them?? Cause sister, we're not. Most blacks in America do not see Jews as their "brothers in arms," despite the fact that we held the line with their activists, got beaten by southern cops side by side with Medgar Evers and Dr. King. No...we get Jackson who was silent as Jews were being beaten in Crown Heights section of Hymie Town. We get Farrakhan and the like calling us persecutors, instead of the friends we tried to be. I think it's time to stand up for ourselves for a change, and stop diluting our energies on those who don't care. Any blacks out there care to respond?

People accused you of being an obnoxious, name calling `Quasimodo` before. You know I really do not care one way or the other. However I have the question of my own: Is this the best you have got? Let me explain. You come throughout the day, shooting your provocative, twisted `rockets` into open spaces, wherever they land (sort of like Pals shooting Qassams) for the overall `spotlight` effect. I mean it is nice to be supported by bunch of rich, scholarly but totally irrelevant & mostly ignorant to the particular subject at hand numbers, pieces of raw data or as twisted & `in your alleyway` media sources & outcomes. That is how most smart, intelligent twisters & con artists operate. But when confronted with the straight forward artillery like Jeff`s or Cipora`s, all you got is shooting `Martian` blanks back from the bushes?

"There is no anti- semitism anywhere in the world." It's obvious the guy wanted the rabbi's mobile phone and so he tapped him with a bat. These Jews just seem to moan all the time without ever realising that if so called israel were to disappear, we the good people of the world would look after them and keep them safe. Come here little Jews heh heh. Hannah, what shall we do with them?, they look so ugly.

It has never failed yet, Tosefta apologises for anti semitic violence, in EVERY instance a jew is attacked, Tosefta goes into his long winded pea brained responsa designed to show how the attackers were in fact the victims.I think he needs to read the article about the effects of the HOlocaust on even the third generation.He has all the symptoms of paranoia and fear and self loathing.it is a pity really, he is a victim of jewish history.

" confirmation that attacks will continue against peaceful Semites. Arabs and Jews should learn another lesson that those who target Jews, will also target Arabs." There is no such thing as "Semites", a 19th century linguistic term invented in Germany. There are Jews and there are Arabs. When Arabs attack and kill Jews, it is not an attack on a broad group of which Arabs are a part. It is an attack on Jews. Stop expropriating the identity of others. Those who wish to attack Jews at home egg on the Arabs to attack Jews overseas.

I guess we American Jews would feel safer in Israel while facing the threat of a future nuclear Iran? Or that of Hezbollah or Hamas, both of whom plan for your annihilation while your dear Olmert contemplates giving sections of Jerusalem to the Arabs? No thank you. Antisemitism happens, including in America, but here in America it's an exception. You Israelis like to boast about how we better make aliyah so we can be safe among other Jews in Israel--until the next suicide bombing kills scores of you. Thanks, but no thanks. I'm safer where I belong...in America, and as an American Jew.

incident. This is America you are talking about. A place where thousands are assaulted, hundreds are raped and dozens are murdered every day. So one of today's long list of victims is a Rabbi. So what. It means nothing. That may sound heartless, but I don't see any of you shedding any tears for any of the other victims of violence in America today.

--- against any horde and against your objections ...and against your abjections Dirt Dirk

Tosefta's spurious argument. The population of Lakewood is growing, and the Jews count for a large part of the population. Therefore, Blacks should fear Jews. Your logic is about as sound as Oxford's debating society to allow David Irving a platform to air his views.

'I bought some NY papers today- NY News and NY Post. Nothing...' Really? That's depressing... Same thing has happened around here (California). Various horrific assaults. Practically pitched battles between Hispanics and Blacks in East Oakland. However, the implications are unpalatable, so...

"Lakewood is one of the hubs of Orthodox Judaism and is home to one of the largest yeshivas in the world. The large Orthodox population, comprising nearly half of the township's population, wields considerable political clout in Lakewood Township" - Wikipedia First, an update on the population count of Lakewood. The figures in #48 are taken from the 2000 census (following Wikipedia numbers). According to the article, there are now some 70,000 people living in Lakewood, compared to 60,000 seven years ago. The Jewish community is growing fast and the minorities declining. Hence, more than half the population are Jews, and they outnumber Blacks by at least a 5:1 ratio. Now to the Martians. Martians, like our Bird from Outerspace Cipora, have 4 fingers per foot, 3 pointing forward and one back. It makes it hard to count modestly sized numbers on one's fingers. This prevented the Martians from developing mathematical skills, and precision in general (and even some intelligence that is helped by precise thinking). We can see it in Cipora who cannot tell when two numbers should be multiplied or divided. Sorry about your limitations, Birdie, but how about using your antennas as two more fingers for the purpose of counting? You will now have 5 "fingers" and you will be able to follow precise human discussions. Perhaps over time you will also gain some badly needed extra intelligence.

Jews of Lakewood, arm yourselves!!! The police won't protect you!!! You MUST protect yourself!!!

Even when terrorist attacks were more often successful, Israel was still statistically safer than New York City, LA, Chicago, Albuquerque, Dallas or just about anywhere worth mentioning in America.

Roger that, at Muzzle Velocity Lead Beats Aluminum. These guys need to learn the hard way that we will not be their victims, that we will not be pushed around.

well said. An attack on anyone is wrong. We, as arabs (along with everyone else) must condemn this crime

You got it right, Al Sharpton and his Cadre are the cheering section, calling on their hapless followers to solve their problems by forming lynch mobs and attacking aged men with bats and clubs, instead of building productive and profitable lives for themselves.

We are all quite accustomed to you raising your shoulders when Jews are attacked. Mark my words, we will laugh at the Irony when your country falls under the Jihad and it is the heads of your family which are on the Smiting Block. We on the other hand shall continue to defend ourselves in any country, against any horde and against your objections.

If someone comes to beat you, beat them. If you catch them on your property, make them feel lucky if you call the Police.

The person beaten in Jena was white also. It appears that for Sharpton and company, 'Civil Rights' now means the right of an African American to beat the s**t out of a white person. And then be released from jail and cleared of any wrongdoing. The duplicity is disgusting but to be honest, I don't expect any better.

I bought some NY papers today- NY News and NY Post. Nothing. Not on page 1 or page 10. But lots about the rope noose at Columbia. Sharpton et co. are all in a dizzy about the rope noose hung on a Columbia teacher's door knob. That a Rabbi is in critical condition with a bashed face and skull from an such a despicable racist attack means nothing to them. Maybe we're be honored to have one of them say next week 'That was unfortunate'. Or Jesse might say..' We're sorry for the Hymie'.

I greive mightly for the assaulted Rabbi. I am assuming that he is a citizen of the USA. That is pure assumption. However, if he is, he and all similarly situated jews, have a personal responsibility for their own safety. As citizens they have the coverage and right granted by the 2nd ammendment. I agree in New Jersey less so, but still not impossible. Jews should arm themselves. learn how to use their weapons and respond appropriately when attacked. It is common sense. It is allowed and even covered in the Torah. And keeps those who would snuff out Jewry, wondering if the next Jew he atacks will pull out his Sig-Sauer P229 and send the assaultive criminal into hell wherehe so richly belongs. Anything wrong with that reasoning? Remember when life and death is counted in seconds,...the Police are minutes away.

I wish him a speedy and complete recovery. I also hope the aggressor is caught and punished as he deserves.

You have to be souless to not be ashamed of what you have written here. Our entente of cordiality based on long-ago coffee-house nostalgia is over. I have seen the enemy, Hannah, and it is you.

Dear Humble Jew, Rest assured that there are many, many Abu Yousef's and I am one of them. It is a pitty that our one people was divided into an Arab and Jew. We are the Semites, the decendants of our Abraham, should go beyond our differences and bring the family back together. We are the same target for those who wish us harm.

And there are people who post here who rational this type of crime. These are the people who would cheer Kristalnacht and says 'Jews had it coming' when confronted with what happens in the Death Camps. Anti-Semitism is an historical force evey bit as powerful and widespread as the Class Struggle or Nationalism. It proves the truth that hatred of Israel is hatred of Jews everywhere. And Haaretz - do you now realize the level of anti-Semites who post on your news stories? Does that make you feel good ,bad or indifferent?

'This week in Columbia University in NYC a small rope noose was draped on the door of an African American teacher at the UNivesity. It created page one stories, talk show radios host topics, large demonstrations and all the issuance of anti-racist comments by university heads. Nothing wrong with that. However, there has been a rash nationwide of painted swastikas on synagogues, cars in Jewish neighborhoods and now this beating...' That might be true, but I think it's also a comfortable evasion. After all White and Asian and Hispanic gentiles are all similarly targetted -- and the stories similarly hushed up. Indeed, see the 'Jena six.' What happened, exactly? Who did what to whom, and who is it that is to be excused? We've got a problem in this country. It's Black behavior, to be blunt. That it's an outrage to even say that just shows how bad the problem is.

This is a terrible example of a hate crime but we Jews are not the only victims of such things. Jews, Muslims, Hindus, gays, and certainly blacks are victimized all the time. It is horrible and their is no excuse for this anywhere including the USA.

'This is what the Jews anywhere in the world... ...can expect these days: Jews are silently supporting the military junta of Israel and they`re set to pay the toll for their stance.' I guess it's healthy for me to see that Israel's opponents as well as its supporters can indulge in morally obscene equations. As it happens, your logic is EXACTLY the same as that often employed to justify the Holocaust. 'The Jews' are bombing our homes, so we should punish 'the Jews.' This rabbi was beaten for being Jewish, not for the crimes of Israel. I'd be surprised if the perpetrator could even locate Israel on a map.

jews are no longer in the ghetto and we hav proven that we are tough. fight back physically. might is the language of the world.

Now, look at the figures and tell me who should fear whom? Should Jews fear the Blacks or perhaps the Blacks should fear the Jews? Did the article even mention the possibility that a man carrying out such an attack could be a simple Meshugener? Why rush to conclusions?... Why in the Muslim world, where moderates outweigh the radicals by the hundreds, we all fear radicals & not moderates. Perhaps the violent nature & behavioral issues are more applicable than your usual meaningless numbers your scholarly nuggin throughing around. The parts of the world where the local mosques filled with unabated Jew hate under either `freedom of speech` mantra, carelessness or appeasement can brainwash much smaller quantity of young generation into much larger number of Meshugeners capable of attacking & killing simply walking the streets JEWS (underlined) out of nowhere. Your `Meshugener` diversion spam is precisely what it is because he is lobotomized, violent `Meshugener` but WITH A PURPOSE.

The phrase 'hate crime' does not occur once in that story.

Is such a negative society.Thats the price of their laissez faire.

Far better than the JDL who are dangerous amateurs often motivated by heavy dollops of racism, what is needed is a well trained community based force that operates within the law.This is far more effective than jewish dregs carrying baseball bats and making mistakes.A professional security force working with the police in the open and under community supervision is the way to go here.Put 100 pairs of eyes and ears on the street with cameras walkie talkies and billy clubs(if needed, one in the group can be armed with firearms) will work wonders.

Have Jackson or Sharpton said one word about this attack by one of their own? What about the NAACP? ACLU? The black leadership in this country is a disgrace. How many Jews leapt to the black civil rights cause in the 50's and 60's? And for what? F-ing hypocrites.

Of course, in this case he cannot count the Jews since the statistics only count whites, blacks and hispanics. An Orthodox Rabbi is attacked, but insane Tosefta claims that blacks should fear Jews. Obviously, Tosefta himself is terrified of the possibility that he might be attacked one day.

I think this attack on the rabbi is more due to the African-Lmerican community in lakewood feeling threatened by the incursion of different ethnic groups in their surroundings more then a blatant hatred of Jews. As the articles denotes the Jewish and Hispanic communities have been growing faster then the African-American one. On Dutch Dirks assessment that anti-semitism is only due to the existance of Israel I find quite odd since he does reside in Amsterdam and must be aware of the hatred that existed for jews in Holland pre the creation of Israel. He seems to be affected by that european malady that doesn't see its own problems, but bathes in its eurocentric notion of being civilized and can thus only manage to see other's issues. I bet if we were talk about the dutch tradition of lets say zwarte piet, the black slave caricature that the dutch every christmas dress as for fun, Dirk would call it a fun time tradition rather then deep seated racism.

According to your logic, you are a legitimate target of Muslim rage, because the Dutch did nothing to stop the offensive cartoons. And in keeping with your logic, you have only yourself to blame.

because of the turn for the bad Kahane took in Israel, but a similar defense organization under a different name. Yes, what is needed is better protection for Jews wherever they live, and if the local authorities cannot provide it, then Jews must form vigilante organizations, hire goons and the like.

... rape that could have happen without any relationship to the girl's religion or ethnic background. Your description doesn't hint it was really a racist-motivated crime. But your evaluation says so: "this is not the only type of crime against Jews there".

'There is no anti-semitism anywhere in the world.' That ranks right up there in super-stupidity with lakshmis 'there are five billion Muslims in the world,' clickfool's 'The Temple Mount is the holiest spot in Islam,' and Ahmadinejad's 'there are no gays in Iran.' Bravo.

So where is the Rev. Al Sharpton on behalf of the Rabbi for this hate crime by a black man?.Maybe the black man was within his civli rights to attack a Rabbi.

bbl, Tamir speaks for himself. Ignorant and pathetic. Attacking a Rabbi is a shameful and sickening act against Judaism, God and Allah.

many yeshivas have made their homes in poor areas due to cheap real estate as a result the changing community suffers risidule effects,take for example the yeshiva in waterberry conn. poor area,high crime rate put in jews or for that matter any new group and you have the formula for racial attacks

"An Orthodox Jewish middle school teacher was found not guilty this summer of assaulting a black teenager" Maybe that was the reason for this mindless attack? Lets hope they catch this thug.

For too long, Jews have taken beatings and cowered passively because of their religious beliefs. Not fighting back against brown shirts and pogromists led directly to death camps and the holocaust. Perhaps, as Johnny Weintrab says, it's time to resurrect the JDL or similar organizations; where are the Jewish youths who will protect their communities? If they don't protect themselves, who will do it? Bullies don't want to mess with people who will protect themselves; they will only pick on the weak and defenseless. When they learn that their violent actions will be met with resistance and they will get as much pain as they deal, they will certainly think twice before perpetrating acts of violence; this same philosophy is being followed by Israel and who wants to mess with them? I have to agree with Weintraub: "It appears to me that the Jewish Defense League needs to be reactivated in New York and New Jersey."

Numbers don't mean a thing, when one group is known to be overtly aggressive and threatening, while the other is more composed and contained. By the way, I only have one 'noid,

Most of the time, I enjoy a good, fierce discussion, but it is always with those believing in logic and truth. It has always been annoying, and disappointing, to run across those who have the taste nor capacity for either. I think I just met one. Do you know me? Do you know my background? certainly not. Actions speak louder than words, and its a pity there is no way to act through the internet to show a person's real worth and intent.

Dutchy Dirky, your response simply makes no sense: according to you, violence against a Jew in the U.S. or anywhere else is a result of Israeli policy; it seems you know nothing about history; Israel was created as a reaction against violence against Jews for 2,000 years. I hope you realized the absurdity of your statements: you really need some enlightenment. "This is what Jews can expect these days: Jews are silently supporting the military junta of Israel and they`re set to pay the toll for their stance. So as soon as the planned peace summitt will be `bombed` by right-wing Israeli IDF murderers, I will simply raise my shoulders when Jews anywhere in the world will get subjected to violence. Israel and the IDF shall be held responsible for the attack on the NJ Rabbi.

Rachel is absolutely right. Beating a Rabbi, is an absolute act of hatred and intolernace, but also a confirmation that attacks will continue against peaceful Semites. Arabs and Jews should learn another lesson that those who target Jews, will also target Arabs. Therefore, they should put their differences aside and live side by side in the land God gave them.

Abu Yusuf, Wonderful post. If there were enough people like you in the world, the would be no wars.

The point is nobody should attack anybody. Least of all because of their religion, dress, colour of skin etc. There can be no justification for twatting somebody over the head with a baseball bat and even to try is irresponsible. This attack is on the same scale as me going into a church and punching a vicar. It is reprehensible and disgusting, and obviously in an Israeli paper will gain promenance. What I object to is the instant linkage of these attacks to anti semetism on the same scale as what the Nazis did. Which is frankly bullcrap. And this continuous linkage is making it near impossible to teach the holocaust in a meaningful way. Hannah in your response you have stepped over the line of common decency.

true face. We know who you are. You are too predictable. Your "antizionist" retoric will not change the fact. This is an old tired retoric tried by Stalin,and other antisemits,many of them are dead.All from the same opera.Nobody realy belives in it.

And claims it happens because if Israel. So what hapened before Israel???? Becide,we Jews are not afraid of you or anybody. Try us.Real Dutch dick.

The solution is obvious, all Lakewood residents should come to Israel. Then at least they will get thrown out of their homes by the government, or beat up by Shabak trying to justify government policy showing the religous to be provocative, or some leftist organization trying to stage a confrontation to show Jewish harassment of Arabs, they will at least get it from fellow Jews. Welcome home.

You do some of these people too much honour by taking them seriously and writing back to them as if their 'offerings' were respectable debating material. I salute you for the respect you give to even the meanest here.

I haven't heard a word from the Reverend Al Sharpton. Likewise, I haven't heard a word from the Reverend Jesse Jackson about this terrible assault. It was much worse than what happened in Jena, Louisiana, in terms of the physical injury. I wonder if the reason for the silence is that the victim is a white Jewish Rabbi, and the perpetrator with the baseball bat is an African-American.

"It's an Israeli invention to blame the innocent"? I have no fear of being proven wrong when I say that you, sir, are an idiot.

This week in Columbia University in NYC a small rope noose was draped on the door of an African American teacher at the UNivesity. It created page one stories, talk show radios host topics, large demonstrations and all the issuance of anti-racist comments by university heads. Nothing wrong with that. However, there has been a rash nationwide of painted swastikas on synagogues, cars in Jewish neighborhoods and now this beating. These stories rarely make front page headlines and are not heatedly debated on radio talk shows. I am reading about it first in a foreign newspaper - Haartez - and not a US one. That is the state of anti-Semitism in the US. Starting to be a bit like France.

What country was built on tolerance?

Is it impossible for you to separate anti-zionism from anti-semitism? Do try to think. Surely, in the future, there will be many attacks upon innocent Jews-in-Diaspora: whose fault will that be? Those zionists who have dared to speak on behalf of all Jews have many crimes to answer for. Zionism is detested world-wide by all thinking human beings. Why? Because of the unspeakable crimes that zionists have committed against humanity, in the name of world Jewry.

Lakewood, New Jersey 08701 Population - 60392 White Population - 47576 Black Population - 7270 Hispanic Population - 8937 This info was updated March 2007, unless it is a quote from the 2000 census and was valid in 1999, in which case the number of Jews has grown and the number of blacks shrunk. Now, look at the figures and tell me who should fear whom? Should Jews fear the Blacks or perhaps the Blacks should fear the Jews? Did the article even mention the possibility that a man carrying out such an attack could be a simple Meshugener? Why rush to conclusions?

The Zionist Jews are those with all too much Palestinian blood on their hands. Do do your best not to project your evil sins onto others. We see what you are. We see who you are. Your next step is into the War Crimes Tribunal. Do give me your name and address, and I will send it along to The Hague.

A man is attacked in an unprovoked assault that could have killed him and you write that? You have just devalued everything you have ever written in defense of the rights of others. You have shown yourself to be a callous person who cannot be taken seriously when discussing the needs of others. I pity those you claim to support. They have a fool for a spokesman. On the other hand, those you speak in opposition to must feel encouraged. In one fell swoop you made yourself and your opinions irrelevant. Was that intentional on your part?

Beating a rabbi because of any reson is shamefull act that requiers a long jail.The man was brained washed with hate and this is the result of a blind hate, Same would apply for beating a muslim or any other act based on religious hate. we all have to stand up and protect from these hate acts.

What are you doing about it,hero boy? You also said Syria was going to shoot down an Israeli plane over Israel. You also wanted Syria to fire toxic loaded missiles into Israel. Are you going to be in Syria for the consequences hero boy? Do you have any other aliases here? If you are such a hero who wants war and violence stand up and be counted give your real name.You really are al ittle gutless wonder deep down aren't you?

FIGHT ATTACKERS EVEN ON SABBATH. FEAR IS OUT OF PLACE.

Both countries have a long history of Racism.

...to blame the innocent. Can you remember the suicide bombers? All suicide bombings were all the sole personal responsibility of Yasser Arafat. When the IDF shoots Palestinian children, they are all considered terrorists or child soldiers and Hamas is to blame for it. When Lebanese kids are being mutilated due to Israeli cluster bombs, its Nasrallah's responsibility etc. etc. So when Jews anywhere in the world are being attacked, I will maintain the standard Israeli policy of blaming the victim and the innocent. So all possible violence against Jews, which may erupt after Israel kills the upcoming peace summitt, is the sole responsibility of Israel and the IDF. That's the kind of logic Israel and the Israeli's seems to understand. So what's your problem? Double standard?

Chris seems to think that American support for Israel is predominately influenced by Jewish voters. I believe he is mistaken. The vast majority of American Jews vote for liberals while it is mainly conservatives that so fervently support Israel. The zealous American zionist is a Christian evangelical, not a Jew.

You two fools have managed to conflate the ever-lasting life of Jews on this planet with the very short-term life of so-called Israel and its erstwhile cult of Rothschildean zionism. Do try to separate a failing political experiment from Torah and its followers.

I read all the responses and the majority of responses seem to claim that we are in our homeland and secure in Israel. As much as this should be the case- Unfortunately it is far from the truth. There is a constant war being waged between secular and Orthodox Jews in Israel and lately we have even been witness to neo Nazis. While the security forces are doing a great job- we are still totally dependant on miracles. And unfortunately the government shows lack of real capabilities , leadership, resolve either against the enemies of Israel. Gd forbid, one atom bomb can do more damage and cause more casualties than Hitler did. For security , it is very hard to be totally dependant on the security forces as we see their inabilities in Sderot and Lebanon. So, maybe it is smart to keep Jews in America , also. Who can say otherwise, Olmert , Barak, Peretz.... soon we might have Hamas next door.

Muslims, Christians, Catholics, Hindus, Sikhs, Aboriginals, Afro carribeans, all get attack on a daily basis. What makes a Jewish Rabbi been attacked so special? Shit happens get over it already.

"I will simply raise my shoulders when Jews anywhere in the world will get subjected to violence." Pretty much makes you an idiot as far as I'm concerned. Folks with even a modicum of self respect tend not to publicly blame groups of people for things for which they are not responsible. Are you so retarded as to think that merely being Jewish indicates an active or passive support of Israeli policy? You don't know the victim or the attacker in this case, and yet you are signing off on a horrific attack that could have killed a man. You are, quite clearly, a morally and logically challenged individual. I find you repulsive, and still, I wouldn't "shrug my shoulders" if you were violently attacked.

Hannah, do you really want the world to know how ignorant you are? you actually encourage the following statement to be published in your name: "At this time in history, there is no active anti-semitism anywhere in the world." This is demostrably false. The fact that you can write that and not be embarrassed is, in and of itself astounding. The fact that you could then follow it up by claiming that all violence directed at Jews is somehow about Israel is beyond comprehension. I don't know where you live, but in America, folks are often totally unaware of what goes on outside of the country. You can't assume that every violent criminal in Jersey is a serious student of Middle East strife. Chances are, the crazed batterer in this case couldn't tell you squat about Israel, Palestinians, or the state of Middle East political evolution. Negative sterotypes of Jews and "Jewish power" are far more prevalent in America than are any concepts of Israel and/or Zionism.

Have you forgotten to take your tablets. You will be claiming Paris next as the capital of a jewish state in Europe. If you do not like the idea of a divided Jerusalem, may I suggest you leave the comfort zone of Atlanta Georgia and move to Jerusalem to prevent it happening? Or are you one of those armchair generals who want everyone else to do the dying on your behalf? An idiot hitting a Rabbi a holocaust does not make. An idiot ranting about the Holocaust weakens it's meaning until the memory of the Holocaust becomes worthless. And Jeff it will be all your fault.

In the US guns are legal. Go buy some and next time you see someone attack with a aluminum baseball bat, give him some lead in return.

with the growing orthodox jewish population in lakewood, n.j., the american african population may see their presence as a threat. one way to ease the problem would be to undertake joint projects for the good of lakewood whereby leaders of all communities come together and create a working relationship which could be helpful should there be a repeat of 'brooklyn' during the rein of new york mayor david dinkins. by the way, will the 25 year of orthodox man who,when asked why they don't go to israel, spoke about the constant bus bombings in the jewish state. could he please enlighten me when was the last a bus was blown by terrorists in israel or for that matter, the last terrorist act?

I doubt very much if this will be treated as a hate crime. That is reserved for attacks on blacks and gays. It is never used when Jews are attacked. Maybe I have become very cynical but the perpetrator will probably found innocent and the Jew be blamed for any imagined ills. Has the streets of the US become as unafe as those of Europe?

"At this time in history, there is no active anti-semitism anywhere in the world." I can't belive how stupid you are. There is ALOT of antisemitism going on in the world right now, THIS ARTICLE IS A PROOF OF THAT, Jews in France, Britain and Russia get attacked daily yet there is no antisemitism? I guess its my fault or something? ZIONISM means that the Jews should have a country of their own and the country should be in Palestine. HOW IS THIS AN EVIL CULT?!?!

I can only say, Hannah, that you have no idea what you are talking about. I have lived in three different continents, traveled in every one (extensively) and have learned much about the everyday people in many places, as well as the local intelligentsia. And I KNOW you are wrong. The anti-Jew movement is very strong right now, and its increasing. It is voices like yours that causes it to increase. You are a denier, when the facts are there to see, but you, Ahmadinejad and those of like ilk, claim otherwise. It is people with your expressed opinion and actions that have the blood of thousands (and soon to be millions) more on your hands and soul. Deny as you will.

You should whatch the documentary "Anti-Semitism in Britain" because they take up exactly what you are saying here, "that the Jews are supporting Israel just because they are Jewish". This is antisemitism, because frankly, Jews may have different opinions on Israel/Palestine, yet you say that the Jews have themselfes to blame. Disgusting.

Jackie, you can't really mean what Dutch the Dirk says? That Israel is the behind the anti-Semitism around the world, that it is caused by Israeli armed forces perpetuating violence against themselves to make it look bad for Jews everywhere? I was living in Morocco as a dependent to a military officer in the US Navy. I was chased home by groups of Arab kids my age and older (10) many times. They had no idea of my ethnicity, I could've been Swedish, but they knew I wasn't Arab. It's not just the Jews who suffer this kind of hatred,

I was born and grew up and New Jersey, and lived in the northeast until the age of 18. I am tempted to say that the only thing new is that the baseball bat is made of aluminum.

Rachel, you are so right with you comments on the illegal Hispanics arriving in the US at the rate of about 3 to 5 thousand PER DAY. What this article shows is the racist bigotry that is stalking America now, unlike it has ever happened before in its existance. Jesse jackson, Al sharpton, etc. are those who have instigated and perpetuated the racism in the black community against Jews (and whites in general). Now, the Hispanics know that Bush doesn't want to stop the flow of illegal aliens into the US form Mexico, rather, his words encourage it. He has us going down the road to a 'Union' with Mexico, as Vicente Fox admitted to this week on television. He also admitted to a plan and agreement he had with Bush to make a new denomination (getting rid of the dollar) - the Amero. Part of Bush's plan is to have the dollar sink so low that it has parity with the Canadian dollar and closer in value to the Mexican peso. If this happened blatantly there, would you stand for it?

He writes, "Come to Israel.Nobody will call your children "dirty Jew" and throw eggs at them." Have you been living in a hole? Israel made the mistake of bringing in under the Law of Return many who were not only not Jews but were in fact hostile to them. Some have even made it into the IDF and police forces. You'll find anti-Semitic web sites, neo-Nazi gangs, and anti-Semitic tracts for sale. Jews *have* been beaten up and called "dirty Jew", synagogues have been defaced and Jewish cemetaries desecrated. Israel has yet to fully appreciate the problem in its midst.

At this time in history, there is no active anti-semitism anywhere in the world. Having said that, there is an entire world opinion that sets itself against the bigotry and evilness of zionism. You zionists do your very best to smear Jews and Judaism with your black brush of zionism; however, so far, nobody has bought your false fish. Long live Judaism; may the evil, satanic zionist cult be eradicated tommorow, if not sooner!

Dutch Dirk has part of the picture correct. However, he has it skewed. The antisemitism in Europe in the 19th century was the reason for the birth of Zionism. Should Israel disappear and fail to exist as a refuge for Jews in the Diaspora, there will be a resurgence of antisemitism that will make current events seem mild. I was chased home from school on a regular basis by stone-hurling brats calling me names because I was a Jew (and this in New York City) Colleges and Universities had quotas Jews were not allowed to live in certain areas or lodge in certain hotels. I predict this returning should Israel disappear. Antisemitism exists and it is the reason for Israel's existence; it does not result from the reality of Israel as a nation.

...can expect these days: Jews are silently supporting the military junta of Israel and they're set to pay the toll for their stance. So as soon as the planned peace summitt will be 'bombed' by right-wing Israeli IDF murderers, I will simply raise my shoulders when Jews anywhere in the world will get subjected to violence. Israel and the IDF shall be held responsible for the attack on the NJ Rabbi.

This incident, and the those like it coming in the future are a manifestation of the BIG LIE the Jews have allowed to fester regarding the fraud of a palistinean state, etc. The corruption of Jewish leadership both in ISrael and the USA, a US govt who clearly fosters Jew hate in a an indirect and backhanded manner, is a certain indicator of the future. World Jewry has this one last chance to put the fraudulant issue of a PA state to rest, to end all discusion about a divided Jerusalim, and stand up to the world today, or face the final solution within short order. This not idle talk. This is gaurenteed. At any cost, world Jewry must muster the chartacter to protect future Jewry. If any Jew beleives that justbecasue he/she hides behind being anti-Zionist, or being a 'secular Jew, you will be first to ovens. Anyone with ttheir eyes open can see the USA is intentionally importing MILLIONS of Jew haters into the USA via illegals. The time for 'denial' has long ended. No more BS

And I hope that the attacker is found and persecuted. Hopefully this will bring a discussion of what multi culturalism in the US actually means. The Jewish Task Force should make sure Jews are safe in New York. Obviously this will be worrying to Israel as a decline in the Jewish population in America will undermine American support and hence American taxpayers money for Israel.

Who is editing these? Number 3 suggests a Holocaust against Muslims, and it's allowed to stay up! As a Jew and an Israeli, I'm appalled!

This is news? A friend of mine was beaten bloody, on a Queens street, for being dressed like a Hassidic Jew, 22 years ago!!!!!

This story is terrible. I saw too much of this when I lived in Jerusalem on and off since 1995, directed against the Christian-Muslim Palestinians. An attack on people because of ethnic background or religious leanings is an attack on us all.

to all my fellow Jews in Lakewood,could this be a sign from Hashem that the Torah doesnt mention Lakewood, even once ...maybe its a wake up call to remind you that although your hechshers may be kosher and your sleeves the right length,, the land you think is so safe, safer then Eretz Israel, is TREIF , along with your neighbors. How dare you compare Lakewood with Eretz Israel. When the prophets talk about Meshiach it is Jerusalem , not Lakewood.

Unfortunately this is not the only type of crime against Jews there. About a year ago a religious young woman was abducted in a parking lot in Lakewood, dragged into a van and raped repeatedly. It was widely publicised in the local newspapers and on TV news at the time. She was let go the next morning. There was a huge uproar and outrage in Lakewood's Orthodox community. Eventually the guy who did it was caught, but it sent shock waves through the Lakewood community for a long time.

Mr.Spira, Goyim don't hit Jews with baseball bats in the Land of Israel-and if they did we would defend ourselves as we did when they used to blow up buses-they can't do that any more.Stop making excuses for living in New Jersey just to make a couple of more dollars.Come to Israel.Nobody will call your children "dirty Jew" and throw eggs at them.

Excuse me, what bus has been blown up lately in Israel? We know who our enemies here are and we are careful, but America, the guy next door can turn on you as in this case. Get out of America quick!

I doubt if Rabbi Moskowitz was a dope dealer on the streets of Lakewood, New Jersey. It appears to me that the Jewish Defense League needs to be reactivated in New York and New Jersey. At least, the late Rabbi Meir Kahane cared about his fellow Jews and wanted to protect us from this kind of activity. Obviously, what happened to Rabbi Moskowitz is a hate crime.

the unthinking, uncompromising orthodox are responsible in the middle east... small wonder... one reaps what one sows! QED

This Alexander Spira characters comment really summs up it all. The obvious problem is that his quote indicates that he does not understand the difference between a Jew living in America or Israel. In America you are a stranger and any attacks or hostilities are unfortunate but what do you want- this is history! America is not where Jews belong- no business being there anymore- go home to Israel where at least you have a reason to resist attacks. Why would a Jew live in America if it means being attacked and discriminated against? NO REASON in fact even without the discrimination and hate crimes there is no reason. It's also comical how due to an attack on a middle aged Jew, members of the community are afraid this would "exacerbate long-standing tensions between ethnic groups in the town." This is to say that this attack would cause outrage amongst a non-violent shtele mentality of the American Jew. Yeah right- I am sure in response to this attack the 70k Jews in Lakewood will riot!

The typical shortsightedness of one commentator to the attacks in New Jersey proves how important the State of Israel actually is to Jews around the world. No one has "blown up a bus" here for quite some time due to the expertise and dedication of the military and police. No one can say the same thing about the US anywhere. Here trouble is anticipated and dealt with, no one can say the same for the safety of any minority anywhere on US soil--much less Jewish ones. Attacks will continue and grow worse due in no small part to the burgeoning Hispanic population in the US that already shows signs of intolerance and racial hatred. Anti-semitism is not an isolated event anywhere in the US and has not been since Leo Frank was lynched in the 1920's and anyone who thinks otherwise or thinks it is safer there is delusional.

This story is terrible, and one can only assume it was an example of racist hate crime. I have seen plenty of this. When I lived in Jerusalem off and on from 1995 till recently, I saw the Christian and Muslim population treated like this all the time - beatings, insults flying etc. Shame!

So Reb Spira, if Lakewood is now as dangerous as you think Israel is, why don't you come home instead of staying in "holy" Lakewood. And by the way, there hasn't been a bus bombing here for years. Come home, join Klal Yisroel, and show us that when you face east when you daven, you are facing Jerusalem and not Lakewood.

FYI - this African American fellow was not just walking down the street. he was trespassing in someones back yard & the Jewish fellow held him down until the police came. the question was if it was excessive force or not. Just a point of face.

Hopefully, this attack will be prosecuted as a hate crime, presuming the attacker wasn't some random nut out to swing his bat at anyone, not just Jews. An aside--Carrying baseball bats around was a de rigeur fashion statement while strolling in the East Village of New York in the early eighties. Unfortunately, one could never tell whether it was meant as a defensive or offensive statement. Thus, I chose not to carry.