'Hamas' truck parked near Chabad in Williamsburg provokes and traumatizes local Jewish community

The owner of a black truck decked out to resemble the vehicles used by Hamas terrorists during the invasion of southern Israel on Oct. 7, is reportedly menacing Jewish residents in Williamsburg in Brooklyn, New York.

The Ford F-150 truck, parked near the local Chabad and its preschool, is decorated with images of splattered blood, bloodstained handprints, fake bullet holes and a large portrait of Yasser Arafat on the front hood, complete with a raised fist and the words “Free Palestine.” Two Palestinian flags are flying on top of the vehicle, which also features a fake license plate reading “OH GAZA.”

The chilling antisemitic display has caused significant alarm among Jewish and Israeli residents in the neighborhood, who naturally see it as a symbol of terror and a horrific reminder of the Oct. 7 massacre that resulted in the deaths of at least 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of more than 250 people into Gaza.

“This truck isn't just a vehicle; it's a symbol of hatred and terror. When I see it, I feel like someone is trying to scare us, to make us feel unsafe in the place we call home,” said Michael, who lives in neighborhood.

“This is a trauma that resurfaces every time I see this truck,” said Dafna, another resident. “I've lived here for over a decade, raised my children here, and the fact that such a truck is parked near their school is simply unbearable.”

A third woman who has lived in Williamsburg for 15 years, said she never thought she would see the day where she would feel targeted in Brooklyn for being Jewish. She spoke about the truck that is parked outside of the local Chabad, a community center that provide religious, educational and social services to Jews.

“Never in my life did I think I would feel scared to be Jewish in Brooklyn – especially Williamsburg,” she said, choosing to remain anonymous.

“And while I recognize that the person who owns that truck must be in a lot of pain to decorate it that way, I can’t help but feel targeted by it being parked at the epicenter of our neighborhood – across from our Chabad. It feels very intentional,” she added.

The owner of the truck, 21-year-old Jose Litef, has not addressed the complaints from the communities. He has allegedly continued to play loud music from the truck and has reported to the police that journalists and neighborhood residents are harassing him.

His stepbrother, Anas Arman (34) claims that Litef is to young to understand the impact of his actions.  

“He doesn't understand the symbolism of the bloody hands and their impact on the Jewish community,” said Arman. “We love Palestine, but we just want to be good neighbors,” he added.

The two brothers have been operating a Caribbean food truck in the neighborhood for the past six years.

Despite complaints to the police against Litef, the truck does not appear to be going anywhere.

Councilwoman Inna Vernikov (R-Brooklyn), a observant Jewish lawyer born in Ukraine, told the New York Post that the truck is the latest example of “terrorist-minded thugs living among us” and “committed to making life unbearable for Americans, while attempting to strike fear in the heart of the Jewish community."

“They want us to cower in our homes; they want to scare us into submission; and ultimately, they want to destroy us,” Vernikov said.