New York police are investigating the stabbing of a visiting Lubavitch student from Israel in the early hours of Saturday morning as a possible hate crime.

The victim was treated in hospital and able to attend synagogue later that day.

According to various media outlets, he was walking in the the Crown Heights neighbourhood at around 2am when he was approached by two men who stabbed him in the arm with a screwdriver.

The Lubavitch website collive.com said he had come to be called up to the Torah ahead of his wedding after Tishah b’Av later this month.

He was treated in hospital and later able to receive his aliyah at 770, the Lubavitch HQ.

Yaacov Behrman, a Chabad public relations official, tweeted that the incident was “currently being investigated as a hate crime. According to the victim, he was questioned about his Jewish identity. Despite being visibly traumatized, the victim expressed gratitude for not having sustained more severe injuries.

“This incident is deeply concerning, and we have full confidence in the NYPD’s ability to conduct a thorough investigation and apprehend the perpetrators.”

We are aware of this incident and are reaching out to law enforcement and community partners. https://t.co/3SdkpXstkM

— ADL New York / New Jersey (@ADL_NYNJ) July 9, 2023