**Suspect Admits to Anti-Semitic Attack on Jewish Man in Brooklyn**
In a disturbing case, an assailant who brutally attacked a Jewish man for wearing an Israel Defense Forces hoodie last December has pleaded guilty to an anti-Semitic hate crime. The victim’s courage to stand up for his beliefs highlights the importance of countering intolerance and ensuring justice prevails.
Suleiman Othman, a 28-year-old resident of Staten Island, was accused of punching Blake Zavadsky twice and dousing him with an iced coffee on December 26, 2021, because he was wearing a green hoodie featuring a yellow IDF slogan in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Bay Ridge. Othman pleaded guilty to attempted third-degree assault as a hate crime in Brooklyn Supreme Court.
According to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, Othman’s plea deal comprises a 60-day prison sentence and three years of probation, with the sentencing due on September 20. The incident took place when Zavadsky was outside a Foot Locker when Othman confronted him, questioning his support for “those dirty Jews,” and threatened to punch him if he didn’t take off his hoodie.
Despite Othman’s threats, Zavadsky bravely refused to remove his hoodie, which provoked Othman to attack him. The assailant fled the scene, but was later apprehended on January 11, 2022, after being identified on several surveillance cameras. District Attorney Eric Gonzalez commented on the case, stating that Othman’s conviction and sentence serve as a warning against fostering hatred and intolerance.
In an admirable show of strength and resilience, Zavadsky told reporters the day after the attack that he would continue to wear the hoodie. He emphasized the importance of not living in fear, but rather to be proud of one’s identity and stand up for personal beliefs. Othman’s criminal defense attorney, Muhammad Ikhlas, declined to comment on the matter.
**A Strong Message Against Hate and Intolerance**
This case serves as a stark reminder of the need to stand up against hate and intolerance. The determination and tenacity displayed by the victim, Blake Zavadsky, in the face of anti-Semitic aggression is both admirable and inspiring. Confronting and combating such despicable acts is crucial to promoting understanding, fostering unity, and ensuring justice prevails.
