19-year-old attacked in Ann Arbor after admitting he's Jewish, police say - CBS Detroit

Oct 22, 2024

By Joseph Buczek, Meredith Bruckner

Updated on: September 16, 2024 / 5:46 PM EDT / CBS Detroit

(CBS DETROIT) - Ann Arbor police are investigating an apparent hate crime after a 19-year-old man was assaulted early Sunday morning when asked about his religious background.

The teen was walking in the area of Hill Street and South Forest around 12:45 a.m. Sunday when a group of unknown men approached him from behind and asked him if he was Jewish. When he replied "yes," the group allegedly assaulted him before running away on foot.

The victim reported the incident to Ann Arbor police early Sunday afternoon.

Police say the victim suffered minor injuries and was not hospitalized. The department's hate crimes detective is investigating.

"I have communicated with the Univesity of Michigan police staff, and our goal is to discuss safety over the next few weeks," said Ann Arbor Police Chief Andre C. Anderson. "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. We are committed to vigorously investigating this and other hate-motivated incidents and will work with the County Prosecutor's office to aggressively prosecute those who are responsible."

Leaders from Michigan Hillel say they are now organizing walking groups and rideshares for students who do not feel safe traveling alone.

In a statement, Michigan Hillel said, "The safety of our students is our highest priority, and we greatly appreciate the University and law enforcement's quick response. Michigan Hillel, in partnership with the university, is determined to ensure that U-M remains a great place to be a Jewish college student. Acts of intimidation and physical violence must end."

This is one of several anti-Semitic incidents reported in Ann Arbor in the last two weeks. In one case, vandals sprayed graffiti on an art installation at Gallup Park. In another, flyers with anti-Jewish rhetoric were distributed in two Ann Arbor neighborhoods.

University of Michigan students said they are concerned by the attack that took place on campus.

"As a Jewish person on campus, my friends and I, it's something we worry about a lot," said student Aidan Waltman. "So, this incident happening - it reaffirms that fear. So definitely very concerning."

"It just makes me sad," said student Alyssa Levy. "I was hoping that people also felt shocked and saddened by the news, but I wasn't surprised just because I've heard a lot of things like this happening across campuses all over the country."

"Again, another incident here in Ann Arbor against the Jewish community," said Rabbi Eisenberger. "We are under attack. There's nothing to talk about – for sure we're under attack. And it's scary times."

University of Michigan President Santa Ono issued the following statement on Sunday's incident:

"The safety of our campus community is our highest priority. We are working closely with the Ann Arbor police department as they investigate the assault which occurred this morning. We urge anyone with knowledge about the incident to share it with DPSS or the Ann Arbor police department. In turn, we will ask that perpetrators be held accountable for their actions. We stand firmly against antisemitism and all bias-motivated behavior. We are committed to creating a community where every student, faculty member, staff member or visitor can thrive without the fear of threats, intimidation or violence."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Ann Arbor police at 734-794-6939 or email police at [email protected].

Joe Buczek is manager of digital content and promotion at CBS Detroit. He previously worked at WWTV, the Grand Traverse Insider, the Leader and the Kalkaskian, the Oakland Press and the Morning Sun.

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