# Antisemitic attacks in Manhattan

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/antisemitic-attacks-in-manhattan
> Updated: 2026-08-15T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 29. Developments: 2.

A series of incidents targeting Jewish religious sites and individuals in Manhattan has led to hate crime charges and increased security concerns.

In late July, Moshe Grunhaus, a senior leader at a Manhattan Upper West Side synagogue, was stabbed in the chest while walking near his place of worship. The assailant, who reportedly shouted ‘Allahu Akbar,’ was apprehended and charged with assault, attempted murder, and a hate-crime violation. Grunhaus survived the attack.

In mid-August, a second incident occurred at Central Synagogue during Shabbat services. Larry Montes, a 46-year-old man from the Bronx, allegedly disrupted the worship by yelling an anti-Jewish slur. During the ensuing struggle to escort him from the building, Montes reportedly struck a 63-year-old female congregant, causing a laceration to her lip and an injury to her forearm. He also allegedly assaulted a 65-year-old male security guard by spitting on and headbutting him. Montes is accused of damaging religious property, including candles valued at approximately $20,000.

Following his arrest, prosecutors alleged that Montes referred to congregants as ‘swine’ and ‘fake Jews,’ and admitted his actions were religiously motivated. Montes faces charges including two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime. He was arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court, where Judge Janice Chan set bail at $10,000 cash and $30,000 in bonds. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Governor Kathy Hochul, and Senator Chuck Schumer condemned the attack, emphasizing that residents must be able to practice their religion without fear of violence. Additional NYPD resources have been deployed to the synagogue to ensure safety.

## Claims

- The incident occurred during Shabbat services at Central Synagogue in Manhattan. (corroborated by 27 sources)
- Montes allegedly damaged religious property, including two candles valued at $20,000. (corroborated by 25 sources)
- Montes headbutted and spat at a 65-year-old male security guard. (corroborated by 24 sources)
- Larry Montes faces two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime. (corroborated by 23 sources)
- Montes allegedly punched a 63-year-old female congregant in the face, causing a laceration to her lip. (corroborated by 20 sources)
- The suspect was identified as 46-year-old Larry Montes of the Bronx. (corroborated by 20 sources)
- An NYPD sergeant on a paid security detail apprehended the suspect at the scene. (corroborated by 19 sources)
- No one was seriously injured during the incident. (corroborated by 19 sources)
- Montes allegedly admitted to police that his actions were religiously motivated and used antisemitic slurs. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Judge Janice Chan set bail at $10,000 cash and $30,000 in bonds. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-15: Larry Montes charged with hate crimes after Manhattan synagogue attack

Larry Montes, 46, faces hate crime charges after allegedly attacking a congregant and security guard during Shabbat services at Manhattan's Central Synagogue, causing property damage and using antisemitic slurs

29 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jewish-community-faces-challenges-amid-discourse-shifts-and-synagogue-assault

### 2026-07-29: Moshe Grunhaus Stabbed in Manhattan Synagogue Attack

Moshe Grunhaus was stabbed near The Jewish Center in Manhattan; the attacker was arrested and charged with assault, attempted murder and a hate crime. Grunhaus is expected to recover fully.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/moshe-grunhaus-stabbed-in-manhattan-synagogue-attack

---
Cite as: Antisemitic attacks in Manhattan. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/antisemitic-attacks-in-manhattan