Cara Trager, a 71-year-old Conservative Jew and longtime supporter of Israel, died in a hit-and-run incident in Queens on Memorial Day, raising concerns among her family and community about a possible antisemitic motive behind the attack.
Trager and her husband, Mike, were crossing a street near their home in Queens after dining at a kosher Israeli restaurant along Union Turnpike when they were struck by a car driven by 22-year-old Dawood Faisal. According to authorities, Faisal ran a red light on Francis Lewis Boulevard at an estimated speed of 75 miles per hour, more than twice the posted limit. The collision caused Faisal’s vehicle to crash into two other cars, one of which was propelled into the crosswalk where the Tragers were standing.
Trager sustained severe head injuries and died four days later, while Mike suffered minor injuries. Faisal was apprehended at the scene after bystanders intervened to tackle him following his attempt to flee. He has been charged with second-degree manslaughter and is currently held at Rikers Island pending a bail hearing scheduled for October.
In the weeks following his arrest, Faisal faced additional charges related to an incident at a kosher bagel shop in Fresh Meadows. Surveillance footage reportedly showed him vandalizing the business—known for displaying Israeli flags and banners—by knocking over plant stands and throwing dirt against the windows. Authorities charged Faisal with criminal mischief as a hate crime and other offenses in connection with this episode. If convicted, he could face up to seven years in prison.
Cara Trager’s family believes Faisal’s prior actions indicate a pattern of antisemitic behavior. Though no direct evidence has yet emerged that Faisal targeted the couple because of their faith, the family has urged law enforcement to investigate whether antisemitism played a role in the deadly collision. Their concerns come amid a broader uptick in anti-Jewish hate crimes in New York City, which rose by 8.5% in the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year, according to police data. Jews currently account for approximately 70% of all reported hate crime victims in the city.
The Trager family requested a meeting with New York City Mayor Mamdani to discuss their concerns about growing antisemitism. The mayor’s office declined the request. The family had previously debated relocating due to rising tensions but chose to remain in Queens, a community they deeply valued.
Cara Trager was a freelance journalist and advocate who visited Israel 11 times and had traveled there as recently as 2024 to meet families of hostages. She is remembered by friends and family as devoted to her faith and family, including her children and grandchildren. Her memorial service drew hundreds of attendees.
As the legal process unfolds, the tragedy has highlighted renewed worries over antisemitic violence in New York City and prompted calls for decisive action to address hate crimes and support affected communities.