Yonkers Man Pleads Guilty to Antisemitic Hate Crime Assault

Ahmed Al Jabali of Yonkers pleaded guilty to second-degree assault as a hate crime after attacking Jewish barber Slava Shushakov with scissors while shouting antisemitic slurs in August 2024. The incident, which left Shushakov with injuries to his arm and hand, was condemned by Westchester District Attorney Susan Cacace who emphasized the county's commitment to fighting antisemitism. Shushakov attributed the attack to rising antisemitic sentiment linked to ongoing conflict in Gaza and expressed gratitude to prosecutors and police for securing justice. Al Jabali is expected to receive a six-year prison sentence with additional post-release supervision, with sentencing scheduled for late May. The case has highlighted concerns about the increase in antisemitic hate crimes in the region and renewed calls for community solidarity against hate. Prosecutors initially pursued more severe charges, but Al Jabali ultimately pleaded guilty to the lesser assault charge.