A leader of a pro-Israel Democratic group blasted the anti-Israel mob that “crossed a line” and assaulted him during a protest in Manhattan Monday on the first anniversary of Hamas’ Oct. 7 terror attack.
Todd Richman, a co-chair of Democratic Majority for Israel, issued a statement a day after the protesters swarmed him during a demonstration that eventually turned violent – and left him bloodied.
“Thank you to everyone who has reached out to check on me. Rest assured — I am fine,” he said in a statement released by the group on Tuesday.
“As Americans, we have the right to protest, but yesterday, on the one-year anniversary of the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust, pro-Hamas agitators in New York City crossed a line.”
Richman was standing in a sea of anti-Israel protesters when one rabble rouser repeatedly smacked a tambourine that she placed near his ear before he unveiled an Israeli flag, according to social media footage.
Protesters clad in keffiyehs then tried to tear the flag out of his hands and get in his face, but Richman held his ground.
One protester then smacked him with a tambourine, leaving him with a bloody nose.
Authorities then broke up the scuffle.
“Pro-Israel Americans must be able to walk freely and fearlessly through the streets of New York,” he said Tuesday.
“What happened was unacceptable, but it has only strengthened my resolve.”
Richman noted he’s appreciative of the support he’s received from New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and a myriad of city, state and federal lawmakers.
He also said the support of “many strangers has deeply moved me.”
“I am deeply grateful for the quick response of the NYPD and FDNY for getting me to safety and tending to my medical needs,” Richman stated.
Democratic Majority for Israel, founded in 2019, is an organization that pushes for pro-Israeli policies within the Democratic Party.
“We are proud Americans who believe democratic values—including support for a strong U.S.-Israel relationship—represent what’s best for the United States,” the group says on its website.
