Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams has joined the chorus of politicians and community leaders speaking out against the rising tide of hate and anti-Semitism that seems to be sweeping across New York City. Adams tweeted a statement of outrage on the Twitter social networking site, and also discussed the issue at length with local media.
“Anti-Semitism is disgusting. I condemn the pattern of swastikas that have been drawn in public spaces across Brooklyn, from the Newkirk Avenue station in Ditmas Park to a playground in Brighton Beach,” he told Brooklyner.com.
Read: Anti-Semitic Hate Strikes Children’s Playground in Brooklyn, NY
“We need anti-bias education, and we need arrests. One Brooklyn stands as tall and resolute as ever in combating hate, no matter whoever tries to incite fear and division in our diverse communities.”
A swastika was spray-painted on a pole at the Newkirk Plaza subway station a week ago, and promptly painted over by a maintenance crew. It’s not clear whether it was actually reported to the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force, or not.
Vandals smashed the window at Chabad of Bushwick synagogue in the wee hours of Saturday, just a week ago, while Rabbi Menachem Heller and his wife and nine children were inside with several others, celebrating the Sabbath.
Since January 1, NYPD said the number of hate crimes has risen to 55 as of February 17 – an increase of 72 percent over the same period last year. Two-thirds have targeted Jews.
“Drawing a swastika is a hate crime,” NYPD said in a statement. “If you have info about people drawing a swastika, or any hate symbols, call NYPDTips at 800-577-TIPS.”