Someone drew small swastikas on the doors of several apartments in a building at 46 West 83rd Street shortly before the New Year, according to police.
This kind of thing happens four or five times a year in the precinct, and is not indicative of a spike in hateful graffiti, wrote Deputy Inspector Timothy Malin, commanding officer of the precinct, in an email to West Side Rag. But it comes at a time when anti-Semitic incidents have spiked in the city and surrounding area, with violent attacks occurring in Monsey, Jersey City, Brooklyn and elsewhere.
On Dec. 30 around 11 a.m., police were called to the building, where officers observed the swastikas. They measured about one inch by one inch, and were on several doors in the building. The incident was referred to the city’s Hate Crimes Task Force.
This is the first anti-Semitic incident reported in the precinct in about three months, Malin notes. A teenager was arrested early in 2019 for painting swastikas in Riverside Park.
Given the other recent anti-Semitic attacks, Jewish leaders organized a march and rally on Sunday to stand in solidarity against hate. The marchers will gather at 11 a.m. at Foley Square in Lower Manhattan and proceed across the Brooklyn Bridge, followed by a rally in Columbus Park (near Cadman Plaza).
“Given the other recent anti-Semitic attacks”. A bit too vague. What has been happening is Brooklyn, Manhattan, Jersey City and Far Rockaway, is anti-Semitic verbal abuse, physical assaults, and murder. Carving little swastikas in an apartment building is not an “attack”. It’s juvenile nonsense that has been going on for many years.
And that is why we march! Jews and non-Jews alike should go to Foley Square tomorrow, 11 AM.
Never again. Fight antisemetism with words, demonstrations of pride (wear a kipah or an exposed star of David), or deeds. No more release for felonious assault (without cash bail) if no physical injury for hate crimes. Slapping, spitting, punching, and slapping someone’s head to remove their causes psychological scars not physical ones. No more verbal assaults. Intervene if you feel you won’t get hurt. Or call a cop
“No more release for felonious assault (without cash bail) if no physical injury for hate crimes.”
Not just hate crimes – any crimes. Jews and cops are marked men – very easy to spot and hate and when the laws go soft ( as in assailants of jews and cops were let go recently ) the assaults will increase on everyone. This has to stop.
And yes, we have to march – we have to show that there is no place for antisemitism. Also the silence of once-vocal community leaders speaks volumes.
For info on the rally, go to https://www.ujafedny.org/marchnyc/