Jewish man targeted by gang: ‘I don’t get it’

A 29-year-old Jewish man who was the victim of a New York City gang assault said that he was confused by the amount of hatred he saw during his attack.

Joseph Borgen said on CNN on Friday that he does not seek revenge on his attackers but is looking to understand the motivation behind their actions.

“My main takeaway would be to understand where they are coming from because I don’t get it, to be honest. Nothing in my life has ever made me want to do that to anybody,” he said. 

Waseem Awawdeh, 23, has been arrested over his involvement in the attack. 

Borgen also told WABC that he believes his attack is part of a broader problem with hate crimes the city is trying to combat. 

“I have co-workers of Asian ethnicity who are afraid to go on the subway at night because, you know, they are afraid they are going to get attacked on the subway,” Borgen said. “The amount of hate that is taking place these days is just mind-boggling to me. I mean, that shouldn’t happen to anyone in New York City. I’m blown away. This is just shocking to me.”

The assault comes as the U.S. and other countries face a rise in antisemitic attacks following a brutal 11-day conflict between Israel and militants in the Gaza Strip.