Community Urged To Attend Court Hearing For Suspect In Alleged Hate Crime Assault Of Rabbi David Shushan

Members of the Queens Jewish community are planning to attend an upcoming court hearing for the man accused of violently assaulting Rabbi David Shushan in what prosecutors have described as a hate-motivated attack in Forest Hills earlier this year.

According to law enforcement authorities, 32-year-old Eric Zafra-Grosso of Corona is scheduled to appear in Queens Supreme Criminal Court on Monday, March 16 at 9:00 a.m. at 125-01 Queens Boulevard before Judge Germaine Auguste. The case is being prosecuted by the Queens District Attorney’s Office, led by District Attorney Melinda Katz.

Rabbi Shushan was attacked on January 28, 2026, near the intersection of Queens Boulevard and 71st Avenue while walking toward the Bukharian Jewish Center, where he serves as a youth leader and mentor.

According to authorities, the suspect allegedly shouted anti-Jewish slurs before striking Rabbi Shushan in the chest. When Rabbi Shushan attempted to defend himself, the attacker allegedly struck him again in the face. The force of the attack caused Rabbi Shushan to fall onto icy pavement, leaving him bruised and injuring his knee.

As the assault unfolded on the busy Queens Boulevard corridor, many passersby continued on without intervening. One motorist, however, noticed the attack taking place, pulled his car over, and jumped out to help the victim. The bystander did not know Rabbi Shushan but stepped in after witnessing what appeared to be a man being violently assaulted, helping stop the attack before it escalated further.

Rabbi Shushan immediately contacted the NYPD and alerted community volunteers who assist with neighborhood safety efforts. Before the suspect fled, Rabbi Shushan used his cellphone to photograph the alleged attacker.

Police later located and arrested Zafra-Grosso on a nearby subway platform before he was able to leave the area.

The Queens District Attorney’s Office charged the suspect with assault as a hate crime and aggravated harassment as a hate crime. Prosecutors requested $40,000 bail, but the court instead released the defendant on supervised release while the case proceeds through the court system. Zafra-Grosso has pleaded not guilty and, according to authorities, does not have a prior criminal record.

The incident drew particular attention within the Jewish community because it occurred on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a date commemorating the victims of Nazi persecution and highlighting the ongoing dangers of antisemitism.

Community leaders say the upcoming court appearance represents an opportunity for residents to show solidarity with Rabbi Shushan and emphasize the seriousness of hate crimes targeting Jews in Queens.

Supporters are encouraging community members to attend the hearing and quietly observe the proceedings, demonstrating that acts of antisemitic violence are taken seriously by the broader community and that victims are not alone.

The case remains ongoing. If convicted on the hate-crime charges, the defendant could face enhanced penalties under New York law.

By Shabsie Saphirstein