A prominent hairstylist accused of an anti-Semitic attack on a rabbi outside Manhattan’s historic Chelsea Hotel admits he threw a bag at him after an argument, but denied insulting him.
“I’m Jewish. I love Jews. I love Jews,” Aleksander Janik, 52, told The Daily Beast after Rabbi Chezky Wolff’s allegations appeared in the New York Post.
Janik, who was interviewed Wednesday after being known exclusively through The Daily Beast, called the claim “disrespectful” and “absolutely appalling,” adding, “My grandmother in Auschwitz. “
The confrontation between Janik and Wolff, part of which was observed by a Daily Beast reporter, took place Tuesday night against Chelsea Shul on West 23rd St.
According to Wolff’s account, Janik’s dog, Hudson, ran to the open doors of the synagogue and asked the owner to put a leash on the animal. He claims that after Janik muttered “dirty Jews,” he recorded it on his phone.
The video shows the rabbi holding his iPhone and following Janik 10 meters down the street to the iconic hotel, which has been home to writers, artists and stars from Dylan Thomas to Bob Dylan, and where Sid Vicious is said to have killed Nancy Spungen in 1978. . .
The designer, dressed casually in a white blouse that he pulled out of his pants, bright blue chinos and loafers without socks, turned around and hit the rabbi on the head with his bag, causing his glasses and kippah to fall.
Janik, a Polish immigrant who has photos of himself assaulting an impressive number of celebrities on his Instagram account, as well as a slew of pro-Ukraine and pro-Palestinian posts, tells another story.
Interviewed at his home three blocks from the incident, he said the mishaps began when his golden retriever sought safe shelter from the shade outside the centuries-old Chabad synagogue, officially known as Congregation Emunath Israel.
The rabbi, he said, reacted violently.
“He opened the door and shouted, ‘Take that dog. . . ‘And I said, ‘I’m sorry, but I was just looking to get some rest,'” Janik said.
“He said to me: Where are you from? I said, “I’m from Poland. “He replied, “Polish! Take that dog!” and [he] kicks. And then he bothers me with the phone, he chases me. “
“He follows me for no reason. I [said] ‘Excuse me, sir. Does it bother you?’ And I take my bag. . . Janik said, moving his arm as if he were swinging something. “Could you please avoid harassing me?”
The rabbi, who in the past has been sued through members of his own congregation, declined to be interviewed; however, his lawyer, Cary London, told The Daily Beast on Wednesday that Wolff did not hit the dog or use the derogatory Polish term in the confrontation. .
“The rabbi categorically denies kicking the dog. There are no dog kicks,” London said, calling Janik’s account a “false story. “
He said Wolff advised Janik, “You might have to put a leash on the dog” and record it only after the “dirty Jews” comment.
“Anti-Semitism lurks behind closed doors,” London said, explaining why the rabbi wanted to document the scene. “The rabbi is the nicest guy in the world. “
The police intervened at the scene but no arrests were made; The NYPD said it could simply verify any details. London said the rabbi had filed a complaint and would meet with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office on the matter next week.
However, he added, Wolff seems to be exaggerating on the subject. “It doesn’t need it to explode,” the lawyer said.
Janik said he was surprised to see the incident in the newspaper the next day.
“Because I’m not like that. I’m a very intelligent citizen. I have a wonderful track record and other people love me and I’ve never had any problems,” he said. “I’m not opposed to Jews, this is beside the point and he just objected to my dog. “
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