MIDTOWN, Manhattan (WABC) -- A rabbi from Jerusalem is speaking out following a frightening, unprovoked attack that happened during his first visit to New York City.

Like anyone in the Big Apple for the first time, Israeli tourist Rami Glikstein is stunned by the city's sheer scale.

"Everything is big here. I ask for a small coffee, and they give me the size that in Israel is extra large! Everything is big," Glikstein said.

Also big was the man who set upon him with no warning, delivering a punch to the face so powerful that it vaulted Glikstein to the ground.

It was a violent and unprovoked attack that started, Glikstein says, when the man approached, pointing at his yarmulke.

"And start to shout, 'hey, tell me what is your religion, tell me what is your religion,'" Glikstein said.

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