In a significant development related to the brutal antisemitic attack captured on video in 2021, one of the suspects, Mahmoud Musa, was sentenced to seven years in prison. The judge’s decision prompted an outburst from Musa’s family. The sentence includes five years of supervised release.
Who is Mahmoud Musa?
The attack, recorded in 2021, depicted Musa and others macing, kicking, punching, and beating Joey Borgen with crutches at 47th Street and Seventh Avenue. Borgen, wearing a yarmulke and en route to a pro-Israel rally, was the victim of the assault. Musa, prior to sentencing, apologized to Borgen and the Jewish community, asserting that he didn’t intend to target Jews.
Joey Borgen, expressing skepticism about Musa’s remorse, highlighted the antisemitic nature of the attack. Musa, referencing the Israel-Hamas conflict, expressed hope for peaceful coexistence.
The Manhattan district attorney initially sought a six-and-a-half-year prison term, but the judge increased it to seven, considering a pending charge of allegedly sexually assaulting a Rikers correction officer.
Amy Borgen, the victim’s mother, and Steven Fink, the victim’s attorney, emphasized the importance of setting a precedent against attacks based on faith. Supporters, donning “Justice for Joey” hats, attended the proceedings.
Notably, Waseem Awawdeh, another assailant who struck Borgen with a metal crutch, received a previous sentence of a year and a half in prison. Faisal Elezzi, who punched Borgen, initially received three years’ probation but later faced a 60-day jail term on a drug charge.
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The Manhattan DA, acknowledging Musa’s accountability, mentioned Joey Borgen’s ongoing trauma. Barry Borgen, the victim’s father, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting that two defendants have been held accountable, with two more awaiting sentencing on December 18. Additionally, Joey Borgen’s attorney announced the filing of a civil lawsuit related to the attack.
