BROOKLYN — An investigation is underway in Brooklyn after police say a man was attacked and robbed while on his way to a synagogue Friday morning.

According to the NYPD, the incident happened in Flatbush, and the victim was walking on New York Avenue around 5:45 a.m. when two men in hoods and masks approached him.

Police say the two men then beat the 41-year-old victim and ran off with a bag that contained religious items. 

Kim Kerr, a Flatbush resident, said she witnessed part of the incident.

“I was woken up by the commotion. It is really concerning,” Kerr told NY1. “I did hear the gentleman calling for help, and then I did see, it must have been two kids running down the street.”

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has directed the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force to investigate the attack as a possible hate crime.

According to police data, antisemitic attacks are up 66% so far this year, with overall hate crimes up 135%.  

Police say they have recovered some of the victim’s property. 

Kenneth Springer, who lives across the street from where the man was attacked, said he is now very concerned for the safety of his family members who go on walks by themselves.

“I have a grandson. He’s about 11 years old and he walks to school. Coming home, you never know what is going to happen,” Springer said.

Due to observation of the Sabbath, several people who live nearby and who identify as Jewish said Saturday they could not be interviewed on camera; however, they told NY1 they found the incident very disturbing, especially because it took place on what is generally considered a quiet block.