New York, NY, January 12, 2016 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today said it was shocked by the alleged anti-Semitic vandalism of a home in Hastings-on-Hudson in Westchester County, New York.
On December 29, a Jewish family awoke to find six swastikas and the word “Jews” spray-painted on the outside of their home. The swastikas covered the home’s windows, and according to the victim, eggs were also thrown at the residence. Law enforcement has announced that the vandalism is being investigated as a bias incident.
“We are shocked by the attack in a town where Jewish residents seldom experience anti-Semitism,” said Evan R. Bernstein, ADL New York Regional Director. “This ghastly swastika display represents an assault not just on this one home, but on the entire Westchester community. We are confident that law enforcement is diligently examining all the facts, and determining if the evidence supports a hate crime charge.
“We urge elected officials to speak out and make clear that bigotry and anti-Semitism have no place in Westchester,” Mr. Bernstein added. “This is a critical step in the wake of an incident of this nature when members of our community are singled out.”
In partnership with local leaders in Hastings-on-Hudson, ADL will be participating in a community forum on January 14 to provide an opportunity for county residents to express their concerns and hear from public officials and faith leaders on efforts to address the episode.
ADL’s annual Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents which tracks both criminal and non-criminal acts of anti-Semitism, Westchester, Rockland County and upstate New York documented 20 incidents in 2014.
ADL recently announced #50StatesAgainstHate, a new initiative to expand and strengthen hate crimes laws in New York State and around the country in partnership with more than three dozen national civil rights, civic, religious and cultural organizations.
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