Staff Reports
A Palestinian migrant, Bechir Lehbeib, was charged with assault and robbery as a hate crime after allegedly tearing an Israeli flag from a Long Island man’s porch and assaulting him in front of onlookers. The flag, which boldly declared “In This Home We Stand with Israel,” was brazenly stolen by Lehbeib, leaving the victim, Aleksandr Binyaminov, victim to the unprovoked attack.
Act of love. https://t.co/4Dxk8AAthS
— Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) February 7, 2024
According to reports, Binyaminov shared that when he confronted Lehbeib about stealing the flag, Lehbeib openly declared his Palestinian background and spewed hateful remarks about Jews killing Palestinians. The altercation escalated, with Lehbeib making obscene gestures and then violently attacking Binyaminov, leaving him with visible injuries and a black eye.
Adding insult to injury, the Israeli flag was hoisted in honor of a loved one who tragically perished during a terrorist attack launched by Hamas, further emphasizing the significance of the flag to Binyaminov and his family. Nassau County Deputy Police Commissioner Kevin Smith confirmed the distressing details, revealing the violent struggle that ensued between Lehbeib and the victim.
County Executive Bruce Blakeman decried the incident, calling for an end to such appalling acts of hatred. With firm resolve, he and other Republican officials condemned border policies, using this incident as a rallying cry for change.
Serving as a stark reminder of the real and tangible impact of hate crimes, Binyaminov expressed his disbelief and dismay at the attack, stressing the urgent need to combat such venomous acts in our society. To add to the gravity of the situation, Lehbeib’s bail was set at $50,000, and his passport was rightfully confiscated by the judge as authorities delved into his immigration history.
The New York Post disclosed that Lehbeib entered the U.S. from Mexico, with officials speculating about his North African origins. The troubling details of his entry into the country leave many questions unanswered, highlighting the need for a robust immigration system capable of safeguarding against individuals intent on spreading hate and inciting violence.
