Queens Man Sentenced After Antisemitic Attack: DA

MINEOLA, NY. — A Queens man was sentenced to two years in prison Tuesday after pleading guilty to felony hate crime and assault charges stemming from a 2024 incident in Hewlett, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors said 26-year-old Jamaica, Queens resident Bechir Lehbeib walked up to a private residence in February 2024 and stole a pair of flags off the property. One of the flags read, “In this home, we stand with Israel,” while the other depicted a blend of the American and Israeli flags, prosecutors said.

The homeowner saw Lehbeib walking away from his house with the flags on a ring camera, at which point he walked outside to confront Lehbeib, prosecutors said. During the confrontation, Lehbeib punched the homeowner to the ground, at which point an altercation between the two continued, prosecutors said.

During that altercation, Lehbeib headbutted the homeowner, trampled the flags and ultimately left the scene, at which point the homeowner called 911, prosecutors said.

“This defendant’s despicable and unprovoked antisemitic attack brought violence and hate to a Hewlett resident’s doorstep,” District Attorney Anne Donnelly said Tuesday. “No one should ever have to live in fear in Nassau County because of their religion, ethnicity, or beliefs. My Hate Crimes Unit will vigorously prosecute instances of hate-based violence, seek prison sentences when appropriate, and continue to promote tolerance through our educational programs and partnerships.”

Lehbeib was arrested shortly after the incident and pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree assault and one count of fourth-degree criminal mischief as a hate crime on Nov. 21, prosecutors said. As part of the sentencing, Lehbeib will also be under three years of post-release supervision, prosecutors said. For the homeowner, prosecutors said an order of protection was issued.