BY: LUIS ANGEL PEREZ MARTINEZ
In the morning of November 5th, the Magen David Yeshiva on McDonald Ave, in Gravesend, Brooklyn, was graffited with a swastika symbol. It was spray-painted on a fence pillar in front of the Yeshiva building and on a nearby school window.
This is offensive to the Jewish community, as it reminds them of the Nazis and antisemitism happening in New York City.
“The vandalism of the Yeshiva is just another reminder that anti-Semitism is still with us. Anti-Semitic hate crimes are more common than other hate crimes in America, and it’s only becoming more prevalent,” said Richard Shlayan, a resident of Brighton Beach and part of the Jewish community, in an interview.
Currently, the NYPD is looking for the suspect, and surveillance video shows him fleeing the scene on a bike towards Avenue S.
This offended the community, so the following day there was a heavy security presence in the area. Men who identified as security were patrolling while kids were still in school, as well as McDonald Park across the street.
This has prompted newly elected mayor Zohran Mamdani to speak out on X.“This is a disgusting and heartbreaking act of antisemitism, and it has no place in our beautiful city. As Mayor, I will always stand steadfast with our Jewish neighbors to root the scourge of anti-Semitism out of our city,” said Mamdani.
According to the Anti-Defamation League, in 2024, there were a total of 976 incidents of Jewish Hate, and in Brooklyn, there were 253 incidents. The organization is also concerned about the severity of incidents across the city.
William Colton, Assemblymember of District 47, put out a press release stating, “I am confident that the culprits who committed their shameful acts in the dark of night will be identified, arrested, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. But, we must go further to ensure the safety and peace of mind of all of our religious and ethnic communities,” said Colton.
As of the writing of this article, no arrests have been made. Currently, the Yeshiva has not made any public statement.
The Jewish community is still doubtful of the future steps the government could take to combat hate speech.“Our government and institutions have failed to combat this crisis, if they’re even trying,” said Shlayan.