QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) — Dozens of neighbors and community leaders came together to denounce the vandalism and show support for the Jewish community.
“This shall not stand,” the crowd chanted. The rally was organized after the NYPD said multiple swastikas were found painted on buildings and other locations, including Jewish institutions in Forest Hills and Rego Park.
Investigators are reviewing surveillance videos in hopes of identifying the suspects. “They say an image is as powerful as a thousand words,” said Rabbi Moshe Taub of Young Israel of Holliswood. “That image is as powerful as six million souls. It boggles the mind to think what type of human being would send such a message.”
The swastika, a symbol associated with Nazi Germany and the murder of six million Jews during the Holocaust, remains one of the most recognizable symbols of hate. Community members of different faiths and backgrounds said they felt compelled to stand together.
“It doesn’t matter what race you are. We are all humans,” said Queens resident Candida Uy-Beriro. “One hit for one is one hit for all.”
“As someone who believes in human rights, we cannot be selective,” said Pankaj Mehta, who traveled from Westchester County to attend. “I don’t have to be a Jew to empathize with Jews.”
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The rally comes amid a sharp rise in anti-Jewish hate crimes in New York City. According to the NYPD, 31 anti-Jewish hate crimes were reported in January 2026, compared with 11 during the same month last year, a 182% increase.
Residents said those numbers are alarming. “Just because I wasn’t affected doesn’t mean I’m not a target,” said Queens resident Craig Tyson. “When a hate crime is against the Jewish community, it’s against the American community,” said Rabbi Gary Moskowitz of the Jewish National Guard. “History has shown time and time again, when Jews get attacked, other groups come right afterward.”
Despite the troubling reason for the gathering, the event also served as a celebration of solidarity, featuring music and opportunities for neighbors to connect.
“We need to come together,” said organizer Aaron Herman, founder of Impact. “We are stronger together, and we can combat hate together.” Residents said they hope the turnout sends a clear message that New Yorkers will stand by one another and reject hatred in all forms.
The NYPD investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
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