A Brooklyn elementary school graduation turned violent as a Jewish couple, Lana and Johan, were attacked by an Arabic-speaking family who shouted slogans like “Free Palestine!” “Gaza is Ours!” and “Death to Israel!” The incident took place at PS 682 in Gravesend after the school’s fifth-grade graduation ceremony themed “All you need is love.”
“They targeted my family because we are Jewish,” said the mother, whose 10-year-old twins witnessed the assaults.
A Jewish mom and her husband were attacked and beaten at a Brooklyn elementary school graduation by an Arabic-speaking family — who taunted them with shouts of “Free… pic.twitter.com/UFBj7wb0PB [1]
— Marina Medvin 🇺🇸 (@MarinaMedvin) June 23, 2024 [2]
The incident unfolded when the other family turned aggressive towards Lana and Johan. Johan was thrown to the ground, put in a chokehold, kicked, and punched. As the violence escalated, he was even hit with the sharp heel of a stiletto by one woman. The Jewish couple’s 10-year-old twins witnessed the brutal assault, turning what should have been a joyous occasion into a traumatic experience.
Chanting ‘Death to Israel’ and then attacking a Jewish family isn’t a hate crime? pic.twitter.com/1foyk8VGnX [3]
— Zach Heilman (@RedVoicePatriot) June 23, 2024 [4]
Education advocate Tova Plaut highlighted this incident as one of the most severe cases of antisemitism in NYC public schools since recent conflicts in Israel and Gaza. Plaut emphasized the dangers of tolerating such hateful views, warning that it could lead to physical violence, as seen in this case.
Despite the clear antisemitic nature of the attack, the NYPD initially did not classify it as a hate crime. However, after pressure from Lana and Johan, the Hate Crime Task Force is now investigating the incident. The couple’s safety and privacy are being protected by withholding their last names.
The situation escalated when a student displayed a “Free Palestine” message during the graduation. Despite objections, the Department of Education deemed it an expression of free speech. The altercation began when family members of the student with the flag attempted to push Lana and Johan aside while taking photos, inciting the attack with hateful chants.
The assault left Johan hospitalized with injuries, including scrapes and swelling, while Lana also sustained injuries. Their 16-year-old son was punched in the face while trying to intervene. Although one arrest was made, the motive behind the attack remains unclear.
Lana expressed disappointment with the NYPD’s initial response, given that her family is well-known as Jewish within the school community. Lana criticized the Department of Education for attempting to downplay the antisemitic nature of the attack by suggesting provocation from both families.
“My husband was trying to de-escalate the situation… The DOE is trying to sweep it under the rug to avoid further scrutiny of this heinous antisemitic act.” – Lana