US: Jewish Army trainee says he was beaten

Pvt. Michael Handman says knocked unconscious by fellow soldier days after he complained of religious discrimination. Army officials at Fort Benning investigating claims
Associated Press

Army officials at Fort Benning are investigating the claims of a Jewish soldier in basic training who says he was beaten days after complaining of religious discrimination.

Pvt. Michael Handman of Atlanta says another soldier punched him in the head and knocked him unconscious in an unprovoked attack Sept. 24. He was treated for a concussion.

Handman wrote to his parents before the attack that he was being discriminated against. He said one sergeant used an anti-Semitic slur and another ordered him to remove his yarmulke in a dining hall.

Fort Benning spokeswoman Monica Manganaro says an Army private is being held on suspicion of attacking Handman, but he has not been charged.

She said investigators do not believe the attack was linked to religious prejudice.