A New York Jewish couple visiting South Florida was subjected to a violent antisemitic attack in Surfside, with the assailant allegedly striking the husband in the head, hurling antisemitic abuse at the couple and threatening to kill him.
Jordan Steven Peruzzo, 35, was arrested Wednesday at the Surfside restaurant where he works in connection with the attack. Authorities allege that Peruzzo targeted the victim because of his Jewish religious and ethnic identity.
The incident occurred Sunday evening near 95th Street and Harding Avenue in Surfside, an area that is home to a large Jewish community.
The victims, Avraham and his wife, Sofia, were visiting from New York and had just left a restaurant when Peruzzo allegedly approached them while riding an electric scooter.
According to police and the victims’ accounts, Peruzzo began directing antisemitic insults at the couple and Jews generally, referring to them as “evil demons.”
The confrontation then allegedly turned physical, with Peruzzo striking Avraham in the head and threatening his life.
“Now you’re going to die,” Peruzzo allegedly told him.
“Stay away before I kill you,” he also allegedly threatened.
Sofia managed to record part of the confrontation on her cellphone. She said Peruzzo also attempted to attack her during the incident.
The confrontation ended after an older passerby intervened, shouting at the alleged attacker in Spanish and causing him to flee the area.
Surfside Police Chief Jay Matelis said his department would not tolerate attacks of this nature.
Police records reportedly indicate that Peruzzo has had previous encounters with law enforcement. In June, he was arrested on suspicion of slashing a giant inflatable World Cup soccer ball displayed in Miami Beach.
Avraham and Sofia expressed appreciation to police for their swift handling of the case.
Despite the frightening attack, the couple said they would not allow the incident to deter them from returning to South Florida in the future.
{Matzav.com}
