A Yonkers resident has pleaded guilty to carrying out a violent antisemitic assault on a Jewish barber in Westchester County. This incident underscores growing concerns over hate crimes linked to antisemitism in New York, reports The Jerusalem Post.
Ahmed al Jabali, who attacked barber Slava Shushakov in August 2024, admitted to second-degree assault as a hate crime—a class C violent felony. The Westchester District Attorney’s office confirmed the plea on Monday, stating that Jabali’s actions were driven by antisemitic hatred.
According to prosecutors, Jabali entered Shushakov’s barbershop under the pretext of requesting a shave. He then seized a pair of shears, shouting antisemitic slurs and attempting to stab the barber multiple times. Shushakov sustained slashes to his arm and hand during the attack.
District Attorney Susan Cacace condemned the crime, declaring, “Hate has no home in Westchester County.” She added, “The rise in antisemitic hate over the last several years is disturbing and completely unacceptable. Today and every day, my office stands with the Jewish community of Westchester and will seek justice for victims of antisemitic violence.”
Shushakov, reflecting on the attack, said, “This attack is a reminder that we have a lot more to do to eradicate hate and antisemitism in Westchester County.” He expressed gratitude to the District Attorney’s team and the Yonkers police for their support and commitment to justice.
Local reports indicate that Shushakov believes the attack was fuelled by tensions around the war in Gaza, triggered by the October 7 Hamas massacre in Israel.
Jabali is expected to receive a six-year prison sentence, with sentencing set for late May before Judge James McCarty.
This case forms part of a troubling trend of rising antisemitic violence in New York and across the United States, prompting renewed calls for stronger protections and public condemnation of hate-driven crimes.
Photo credit: Jonathan Bandler
More News
