Queens elected officials are expressing outrage after swastikas were discovered in Forest Park on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 15.
The NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force was notified after a 65-year-old man came across the two swastikas that were spray-painted on tree stumps inside the park in the vicinity of Park Lane South between Myrtle Avenue and Freedom Drive in Richmond Hill, within the confines of the 102nd Precinct.
“Sadly, antisemitism has struck again in Queens, this time at Forest Park. Hatred against Jews is a growing issue and we cannot allow this to keep happening,” Councilwoman Lynn Schulman said. “When a constituent called this to our attention, we immediately notified the NYPD and I am thankful to the 102nd Precinct for their immediate response.”
Schulman said she was grateful that the offensive graffiti was removed.
“The appearance of this repulsive symbol of evil in one of Queens’ most beautiful parks is a sad reminder that antisemitism remains a terrible stain on our society,” Queens Borough President Donovan Richards said. “But this disgusting vandalism will not deter us from our efforts to eliminate antisemitism and forge a more welcoming and loving community. Queens will never be intimidated by the purveyors of hate.”
Speaker Adrienne Adams said she was disgusted and saddened to learn of another antisemitic act of vandalism in the city.
“We will not be silent in the face of hate that has no place in NYC,” she wrote on Twitter. “[It’s] just another reminder of how much work remains to be done.”
Councilwoman Joann Ariola echoed that sentiment.
“Hate of any kind will not and should not be tolerated,” she tweeted.
There are no arrests and the investigation is ongoing, according to the NYPD.