A 22-year-old Israeli man was violently attacked in London early Monday morning after being heard speaking Hebrew, in what police are investigating as an antisemitic hate crime.

The victim, identified as Shalev Ben Yakar, suffered serious bruising and cuts to his face and body during the assault, which took place in the heavily Jewish neighborhood of Golders Green. Authorities said they are searching for the suspects involved in the attack.

Ben Yakar, who regularly visits London to spend time with relatives, reportedly stepped outside his apartment around 2 a.m. to make a phone call without disturbing those inside.

Speaking to Ynet, Ben Yakar said a group of five or six Arabic-speaking men approached him after overhearing him speaking Hebrew and asked whether he was Jewish. According to Ben Yakar, once he answered yes, the group immediately became violent.

After Ben Yakar replied in the affirmative, he said, the men began “punching me, kicking me,” and screaming “Jew, Jew” in Arabic.

Ben Yakar said the attackers dragged him across the street and ripped at his clothing during the assault.

Reflecting on the atmosphere in London, he warned that conditions for Jews in the city appear to be deteriorating rapidly.

“It’ll get worse. For sure. Something needs to be done here,” he said.

According to reports, police informed Ben Yakar that some of the suspected attackers are already known to law enforcement.

Sarah Sackman, the local lawmaker representing Golders Green, condemned the attack and said she personally discussed the matter with Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley.

“The recent spate of antisemitic attacks and terror have struck fear into the heart of our community and I am pushing for more action at every level,” she added.

The Jewish Leadership Council also reacted publicly, calling the incident another deeply disturbing attack targeting Jews in the neighborhood.

“this is yet another appalling attack in the heart of the Jewish community in Golders Green. Our thoughts are with the victim and his family. There must be a robust response from law enforcement which demonstrates that those who violently attack Jews will face the full force of the law.”

A spokesperson for the Community Security Trust said the organization is assisting the victim following the assault.

“This was a violent and appalling attack in the heart of Golders Green. The incident is being treated by the Metropolitan Police as an antisemitic hate crime, and we thank them for their swift response. At a time of heightened antisemitism, incidents like this underline the very real dangers facing Jewish communities,” the group said in a statement.

{Matzav.com}