The police department in Ann Arbor, Mich., is “actively investigating” a “bias-motivated” assault of a student on Sunday, the department stated.
“The 19-year-old male victim reported he was walking when a group of unknown males behind him asked if he was Jewish. When the victim replied yes, the group of males proceeded to assault him,” said the department. “The suspects then fled the area on foot. The victim suffered minor injuries, and he did not require hospitalization.”
“There is absolutely no place for hate or ethnic intimidation in the City of Ann Arbor. Our department stands against antisemitism and all acts of bias-motivated crimes,” stated Andre Anderson, chief of the Ann Arbor Police Department. “We are committed to vigorously investigating this and other hate-motivated incidents.”
JNS has previously reported that inconsistencies govern when government and other entities cite “other forms of hate” as chaperones to Jew-hatred.
“Unfortunately, this incident has marred an otherwise incredible start to the new academic year,” stated Rabbi Davey Rosen, CEO of the University of Michigan Hillel. “Just this past Shabbat, we had 300 students, eating, singing, and having a great time, and today marked Hillel’s inaugural 5K run.”
“In hard times, we at Michigan Hillel draw strength from this incredible community—students, parents, alumni and friends—and that strength powers our pride and joy in being Jewish and, in particular, being Jewish at the University of Michigan,” Rosen added.
“This incident is yet another example of the persistent threats and intimidation Jewish students continue to face on campuses following Oct. 7,” the Combat Antisemitism Movement told JNS. “We call on university administrations to do more to protect Jewish students and send a clear message that there is no tolerance for on-campus hate.”
