Fresh Meadows Man Indicted After Alleged Antisemitic Vandalism At Kosher Bagel Shop

A kosher bagel shop on Union Turnpike, familiar to many Jewish families in Fresh Meadows and neighboring communities, became the target of two incidents that prosecutors say were motivated by antisemitism.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Monday, October 19, that Dawood Faisal, 22, of Fresh Meadows, had been indicted on two counts of third-degree criminal mischief as a hate crime in connection with damage outside Bagels & Co., a Jewish-owned business that displayed Israeli flags.

According to prosecutors, the first incident took place on May 15, when Faisal allegedly overturned nine metal plant stands, scattering their contents on the sidewalk, and threw debris toward the store. On May 23, prosecutors say he returned and knocked over 11 more stands, tried to topple a large planter, and pulled plants from the soil.

What might initially appear to be property damage takes on a different character when investigators believe the target was selected because of its Jewish ownership or its display of Israeli flags. The hate-crime charges reflect that allegation; whether the evidence proves bias motivation is for the court to determine.

For customers, kosher stores are more than places to pick up breakfast or shop before Shabbos. They are part of the everyday network of businesses that make Jewish life possible in Queens. An attack on a familiar storefront is therefore likely to resonate beyond the people who own it, particularly at a time when Jewish institutions and businesses remain concerned about antisemitism.

The investigation was handled by the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force in coordination with the Queens District Attorney's Office. Faisal was arraigned before Queens Supreme Court Justice Michael Hartofilis, and his next appearance is scheduled for November 12. A conviction on the charges in this case could carry a sentence of up to seven years.

Faisal also faces charges in an unrelated May traffic collision in which 71-year-old Cara Trager was killed. That prosecution is separate from the alleged vandalism at Bagels & Co.; neither set of allegations has been proven.

The owners' firsthand account and any response from defense counsel would provide further context. For now, the indictment details two incidents eight days apart at the same business and sets the stage for prosecutors to present their evidence in court.

Faisal is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

By Shabsie Saphirstein