NYC man says community effort helped arrest the woman who police say attacked him and his son

Ashish Prashar, who recently fell victim to a suspected hate crime, revealed to News that it required a joint effort from the community and the dissemination of a widely viewed video to prompt the NYPD to make an arrest. The arrest transpired two weeks after residents in Brooklyn joined forces to identify and apprehend a woman suspected of committing hate crimes against Prashar and his toddler. During the incident, Prashar, adorned in a Palestinian kaffiyeh, expressed deep concern for the well-being of other children of color in New York City.

The assailant, Hadasa Bozakkaravani, surrendered to the police on Nov. 21, facing an array of charges, including four counts of hate crimes. Despite pleading not guilty, Bozakkaravani was released on her own recognizance. While Prashar acknowledges his contentment with the arrest, he remains apprehensive about the safety of brown New Yorkers, especially children, in the aftermath of Bozakkaravani’s release.

Community members played a pivotal role in locating the suspect, utilizing screenshots from Prashar’s video to create flyers and posters distributed throughout the neighborhood. Prashar, who has returned to the park since the incident, now ensures that another adult accompanies him whenever he leaves home due to lingering fears. Despite the lingering anxiety, he remains steadfast in his decision to continue wearing the kaffiyeh, emphasizing its significance as a symbol of solidarity with Palestinians. His unwavering commitment underscores the message that he will not conceal his support.