New York, NY, July 10, 2017 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today condemned anti-Semitic vandalism in Brooklyn where multiple swastikas were carved into freshly poured concrete, striking the Midwood neighborhood in the early morning hours on July 8.

ADL has been in contact with NYPD in the wake of the incident, which is being investigated by the Hate Crimes Task Force. Video footage in media reports depicts a man carving multiple swastikas into the sidewalk.

“This incident comes amid a concerning surge in reports of anti-Semitic vandalism across New York State,” said Evan R. Bernstein, ADL New York Regional Director. “This act of hate is an affront to the Jewish community and to all New Yorkers. We commend the professional and responsible work of the NYPD — and in particular the Hate Crimes Task Force — for swiftly investigating this upsetting incident.”

Mr. Bernstein added, “Brooklyn has seen its fair share of anti-Jewish animus over the past several years and we urge the borough’s leadership to continue using its platform to condemn all forms of hate, especially when it surfaces in such a fashion.”

ADL’s annual Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents found a 50 percent increase in instances of anti-Jewish vandalism across New York State from 2015 to 2016, including 63 total anti-Semitic incidents in Brooklyn last year and 22 in the first quarter of 2017.