Justice For Rabbi Shushan: Queens Jews Rally As Suspect Fails To Appear

QUEENS, NY — On March 16, 2026, members of the Jewish community in Queens gathered at Queens Criminal Court to support Rabbi David Shushan following a violent anti-Semitic attack earlier this year. Residents from across the borough came together in a unified show of strength and solidarity.

The demonstration was organized by the newly formed Kew Forest Republican Club.

“We organized this out of concern over rising anti-Semitism across New York City,” said co-founder Kathryn Donnelly. “This particular crime hit very close to home, as our club is based in Forest Hills.”

The court appearance followed a disturbing incident on January 27, 2026, in Forest Hills. Rabbi David Shushan, a 30-year-old father of three and BJCC youth rabbi, was on his way to synagogue when he was confronted by a man shouting anti-Semitic slurs before assaulting him near Queens Boulevard and 71st Avenue.

Rabbi Shushan later recalled how the struggle left them “rolling on the floor in the snow.” Despite the attack, he managed to photograph the suspect, who was arrested at a nearby subway station.

The suspect, Eric Zafra-Grosso, was charged with assault and aggravated harassment as hate crimes. Prosecutors requested $40,000 bail, but the court ordered supervised release.

At the March 16 hearing, the defendant failed to appear. According to the District Attorney’s office, he also did not report to the Criminal Justice Agency after his release.

Those gathered expressed frustration and concern, pointing to broader questions about accountability and public safety. Kenneth Paek, a candidate for New York State Assembly in Queens’ 25th District and a U.S. Navy veteran and retired NYPD detective, attended in support and emphasized the importance of standing united against hate crimes.

I was among those present at the courthouse. As a licensed clinical social worker and member of Queens Shomrim, I witnessed firsthand the importance of rapid community response. Shomrim members played a key role in helping contain the attacker and assist in his arrest.

Despite the defendant’s absence, the turnout sent a clear message: the Jewish community will not be deterred. The attack — which took place in broad daylight on International Holocaust Remembrance Day — has left a lasting impact, and community members continue to call for accountability and meaningful consequences.

The message from the courthouse was unmistakable: the community will continue to stand together, demand accountability, and advocate for safer neighborhoods across Queens and beyond.

 

Editor’s Note: The Bukharian Jewish Link spoke with Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, who reassured us that she is confident the justice system will play out properly and that the perpetrator will be held accountable. She emphasized that while the process may take time, the community should remain patient as the legal system runs its course.

By Dmitri Oster, LCSW