Yankel Rosenbaum was a Jewish student from Australia who became a victim of a hate crime in 1991. He was in New York City during the Crown Heights riots, a series of violent confrontations between the Jewish and African American communities. Rosenbaum was attacked and fatally stabbed by a group of individuals, which sparked outrage and highlighted issues of racial and religious tensions in the area. His death led to significant discussions about anti-Semitism and the need for better community relations. The incident also prompted investigations and legal actions, emphasizing the importance of addressing hate crimes and fostering understanding among diverse communities.