The Flatbush Jewish Community Coalition, (FJCC) is offering a reward of up to $5500 to anyone offering information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators of the cowardly “Knockout Game” operating in our area.

According to FJCC Chairman Josh Mehlman, “The FJCC reward is the largest to date offered to combat this disturbing phenomenon. We are hopeful that this incentive will facilitate an arrest of any culprits.” Mehlman continued, “Many Yeshiva and Bais Yaakov administrators as well as parents have expressed serious concern for the well being of students walking home from school late in the evening. The safe streets we have all come to enjoy suddenly seem precarious, and we must work together to keep our community’s safe”

The FJCC is working diligently with Councilman-Elect Chaim Deutsch, who has been tracking the situation with precinct commanders, Sen. Simcha Felder, Assemblyman Dov Hikind, Councilman David Greenfield and Shomrim members to better organize and enhance the security in the community.

Rafael Treitel, FJCC board member, and longtime Police liaison said, “The FJCC community leaders are directly coordinating with law enforcement commanders and local elected officials, to prevent future attacks.” Treitel said, “The safety and security of our streets is our highest priority. It is very important that any incident big or small be reported to 911 immediately.”

Police have reported at least a dozen attacks against members of the Jewish community in the New York City area since September. In several incidents, the victim was punched seemingly at random while walking past a group of young men, leading some to believe the attacks may be part of a street game called “knockout.”

FJCC Executive board members Leon Goldenberg and Peter Rebenwurzel have taken the lead in funding the reward and expressed hope that this will enable the end of the attacks. Anyone suspecting criminal activity should immediately call 911. Anyone with information about these incidents is urged to contact the NYPD’s anonymous Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS.

The community is urged to be cautious and not walk alone or on deserted streets.

If you are a victim or know someone who is and are unsure how to proceed with the reporting process, the FJCC urges you to contact them for assistance at [email protected]

(YWN Desk – NYC)