Chanukah Attack Hero Invited to State of the Union

NEW YORK (AP) -- The latest honor for a Muslim college student who helped thwart an attack on four Jewish subway passengers during Chanukah: a seat at the State of the Union address.

A Queens congressman says he has offered Hassan Askari a ticket to President Bush's speech in Washington Monday. Rep. Joseph Crowley says he wanted to recognize the Bangladesh-born Askari for stepping into a tough situation.

Police say the victims were assaulted on a train last month after they were heard saying ``Happy Chanukah.'' Askari tried to take on the 10 attackers, giving one of the victims a chance to summon police by pulling an emergency brake.

Crowley says Askari is excited about attending the speech but has to rush to New York afterward to be back in time for class.