Concerned Over Uptick in Swastika Vandalism Across New York State
New York, NY, December 19, 2016 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today condemned three separate bias incidents that occurred in recent days on Long Island.
According to reports, on December 16, several swastikas were discovered by a professor at the Nassau Community College campus in Garden City. Anti-Semitic graffiti was also reportedly discovered on December 16 scrawled on an outside wall at a 7-Eleven store in Merrick. On December 17, several homes in Mineola were allegedly targeted by swastikas drawn in snow.
Evan R. Bernstein, ADL New York Regional Director, issued the following statement:
We have seen quite a concerning uptick in swastika vandalism across New York State. Unfortunately, Nassau County is the latest in a string of incidents. While these attacks are most likely not connected, we see that Long Island towns are not immune to such disturbing acts of hate. It is incumbent upon community and religious leaders and Nassau County leadership to forcefully denounce these manifestations of hate whenever and wherever they surface.
Hate crimes and bias incidents can instill fear and insecurity, affecting entire communities. We commend the Nassau County Police Department for investigating these incidents and conveying the critical message that bias-motivated incidents against any group are unacceptable in our community.
ADL has established a new reporting mechanism where the public can report any anti-Semitic, racist or bigoted incidents, and encouraged social media users to promote the hashtag #ExposeHate and continues to monitor the proliferation of racist and anti-Semitic graffiti and vandalism across the country.
In recent weeks, ADL has voiced concern over a number of hate incidents that have taken place in Wellsville, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Rockland County and Upstate New York.
The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry. Follow us on Twitter: @ADL_NY