A Jewish man who was recently stabbed on New York City's Upper West Side has relocated to Florida, with sources indicating that frustration over rampant antisemitism and Mayor Zohran Mamdani's anti-Israel stance contributed to the decision. The victim, identified as 50-year-old Moshe Yezhak Grunhaus, was allegedly attacked with a screwdriver on Thursday as he exited a synagogue.
Grunhaus, who is religious and a supporter of Israel, was reportedly in New York City for a few days to clear out his apartment. According to a source, his decision to leave the city permanently was partly due to his dissatisfaction with Mamdani's handling of antisemitism and his public statements concerning Israel.
Neighbors expressed understanding of Grunhaus's move, with one anonymous neighbor telling The Post that the mayor's rhetoric has created an unwelcoming environment for the Jewish community. Another neighbor cited comments attributed to the mayor regarding the arrest of Israel's Prime Minister as concerning.
Grunhaus's recent social media activity has frequently highlighted instances of antisemitism in New York City, often tagging Mayor Mamdani and sharing stories of anti-Jewish incidents. Posts from October 2025 and November 2025 reference the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel and memorialize Israeli soldiers. He has also advocated for the release of Israeli hostages.
Mayor Mamdani addressed the incident and concerns about antisemitism on Saturday. Speaking at an unrelated event, he stated there is "no tolerance for bigotry" and affirmed the city's commitment to keeping Jewish New Yorkers safe and celebrating their community.
Despite the mayor's assurances, a rally organized by the group End Jew Hatred is scheduled to take place Sunday to protest against hate on the Upper West Side and to "call out Mamdani." A flyer for the rally stated, "Blood is on Mamdani’s hands."
Yitz Landes, a professor at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, described Jewish residents of New York City as being "on edge" and expressed a desire to continue wearing religious attire publicly.
The suspect in the stabbing, Raul Morales, 51, was arrested and arraigned on Friday. He faces charges including attempted murder and assault, with the incidents being prosecuted as hate crimes. Morales, who has a prior criminal record, also allegedly stabbed another man, 57-year-old Chok Sung, shortly before the attack on Grunhaus. Both victims are reported to be in stable condition. Grunhaus was released from the hospital on Friday, while Sung remains hospitalized. Morales has been ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation and is due back in court on July 30.