NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- A victim of the Hanukkah attack in Monsey who had been in critical condition since the attack is "showing signs of improvement," according to a community leader, who said the man has opened his eyes after being in a coma for 59 days.
"Give thanks to the lord for he is good, for his mercy endures forever," tweeted Rabbi Yisroel, executive director of the Oizrim Jewish Council. "#MonseyStabbing victim Joseph Neuman has opened his eyes, and is showing other signs of improvement. Keep praying for a full recovery."
Neuman, 72, was slashed several times by the attacker's machete -- and it penetrated his skull.
He was among five people slashed with the machete at the home of a local rabbi who was hosting a Hanukkah party.
His daughter Nicky Cohen painted a bleak picture for her father's recovery during a press conference last month.
She said, "He sustained multiple injuries. He has a fractured skull. He’s been sliced through his neck. He has a shattered arm. The other [injuries> seem minor compared to all of this. The doctors do not have high hopes for him. If he wakes up, he may not be able to walk, talk or even process speech again. We do ask everybody to keep him in your prayers."
The attacker, Grafton Thomas, 37, was charged with 5 counts of attempted murder, burgalary, and federal hate crimes.