By Ryan Schwach
Antisemetic graffiti was found at several locations in Queens, including the Rego Park Jewish Center and a synagogue in Forest Hills, on Monday morning.
Swastikas, the word “Hitler” and other antisemetic messages were spray painted on several buildings and homes in the Queens neighborhoods, prompting outcry from local officials who are demanding the perpetrators be found.
Local officials say they believe four individuals may be responsible for the graffiti littered in at least five locations in the area, including two homes and a car in Forest Hills, the Jewish Center and Congregation Machane Chodosh.
The Rego Park Jewish Center and the synagogue are less than a mile from each other, and also within a mile of another instance of antisemetic graffiti discovered three years ago.
One of the swastikas found on Monday was scribbled over a plaque dedicated to the survivors of Kristallnacht.
Local officials condemned the graffiti in a joint statement.
“The recent string of targeted antisemitic graffiti in Forest Hills and Rego Park, including incidents directed at houses of worship, Jewish educational and early childhood centers, and private homes, is reprehensible and will not be tolerated,” said Congressmember Grace Meng, Council Speaker Julie Menin, Senators Joseph Addabbo and Leroy Comrie, Assemblymembers Sam Berger and Andrew Hevesi, and Councilmembers Lynn Schulman and Phil Wong. “This is not something to be dismissed or handled on a so called case by case basis. This is hate plain and simple. The continued rise in attacks against Jewish New Yorkers is unacceptable and has reached a critical point. Our communities deserve action, accountability, and protection.”