Two Men Stabbed Outside Manhattan Synagogue in Suspected Antisemitic Attack

On the afternoon of July 22, 2026, two men were stabbed outside the Orthodox synagogue "The Jewish Center" on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York City, near Central Park West. The victims, including a visibly Jewish man wearing a kippah, were stabbed by a 51-year-old suspect named Raul Morales. Witnesses reported that Morales shouted "Allahu Akbar" during the attacks. The first victim, aged approximately 50-57, was stabbed in the back near 84th Street and Central Park West, while the second, around 50 years old, was stabbed in the chest a few blocks north. Both victims were hospitalized in stable condition.

Morales fled the scene but was quickly apprehended by the New York Police Department after barricading himself in a nearby apartment building. Authorities are investigating the incident as a potential antisemitic hate crime. The Anti-Defamation League confirmed that at least one victim had a clear Jewish appearance.

New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin condemned the attack as antisemitic, emphasizing the Jewish community's fear and the right of all New Yorkers to feel safe regardless of faith. New York Governor Kathy Hochul also stated the assaults appeared targeted against Jews. Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon sharply criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, accusing him of inciting hatred against Jews and endangering their lives in the city, which hosts the largest Jewish community outside Israel. Danon called on Mamdani to take responsibility and stop fueling hostility before more people are harmed.