Updated: Brooklyn, NY – Councilman David Greenfield, Councilman Dov Hikind and State Senator Felder have expressed their outrage over the brutal robbery of a 55 year-old Jewish man, identified as Eli Weinstein, on Avenue M and East 8th Street in Midwood, Brooklyn.
The victim was beaten and robbed early Monday morning around 12:50 a.m. He was punched, thrown to the ground and robbed by two criminals in hoodies.
The victim is in stable condition at Maimonides Medical Center in Boro Park.
“This is a shockingly brutal robbery in the heart of our Midwood community,” said Greenfield. “It is heartbreaking that, especially during the holiday season, outrageous crimes like this are happening in our very own backyard. We can’t tolerate these kinds of crimes in New York City. My many thanks to Hatzalah and Shomrim who responded immediately to the victim’s call. If you know anything about this crime please call 1.800.577.TIPS.”
In the video below, the victim, is punched and knocked headlong into a parked car. He sprawls on the ground and his attacker punches him three more times. A second man runs up and the two then rifle through the victim’s pockets. The two ran off with his wallet and cell phone, police said.
Greenfield is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the two perpetrators of this horrendous crime.
Felder and Hikind are offering $3,000 for information that leads to an arrest.
“I’m shocked that this could happen in our neighborhood, and in such a safe community,” Hikind said. This maliciousness and rampant violence cannot continue.”
Hikind, who has stressed the importance of surveillance video dispersed throughout Midwood, reiterated the need to continue installing surveillance cameras. “This incident is a prime example of why we need to continue pushing surveillance throughout our neighborhoods.”
“It’s a shame that people don’t feel comfortable walking around in their own neighborhood,” said Councilman Felder.
Assemblyman Hikind gathered with Borough Park and Flatbush Shomrim to address the attack:
VIDEO OF THE BEATING:
{Matzav.com Newscenter}
It says: Vinishmatem meod es nafshoseinu. One has to be extra careful in todays society when going out late at night. The lesson here, is that when going out late, one should walk in a group. Never alone.