Antisemitic incidents in 2 Suffolk County communities, just days before Hanukkah
Hateful symbols appeared in Montauk and racist flyers are circulating in Dix Hills, just days before the start of Hanukkah.
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Tensions are rising in two Long Island communities following a disturbing resurgence of antisemitic incidents.
Hateful symbols appeared in Montauk and antisemitic flyers are circulating in Dix Hills, just days before the start of Hanukkah.
In Montauk, the community woke up to a troubling sight on Thursday morning when swastikas were discovered spray-painted on five signs at Shadmoor State Park.
"This is a sign there’s still darkness out there and still negativity," said Rabbi Aizik Baumgarten, from the Chabad of Montauk.
Rabbi Josh Franklin, of the Jewish Center of the Hamptons, expressed both sorrow and resolve.
"This is not surprising. It’s horrific. It’s painful. And at the same time, we know we’re here again to come together in solidarity and unity," he said, underscoring the resilience of the Jewish community in the face of hate.
A show of unity was evident when about two dozen people gathered in the center of Montauk to denounce the hateful acts.
Holding signs and speaking out, the group voiced their opposition to hatred, antisemitism, and racism.
Meanwhile, in Dix Hills, another form of hate appeared in the form of antisemitic flyers distributed earlier this week. The flyers came from an organization that the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has labeled a known hate group. The flyers promote white supremacy and make inflammatory and baseless claims about Jewish people.
Scott Richman, of the ADL, condemned the actions, noting, "Unfortunately, this is not the first time we’ve seen this and not even the first time on Long Island."
He added, "They are very aware of the limits of free speech in this country and they go right up to the limits of free speech."
Alan Mindel, executive director of the Holocaust Museum & Tolerance Center, emphasized that Jewish people, like all citizens, have the right to live freely and safely.
"Jews have a right to live here and to live here freely and safely, like every other community does," he said. "And today, Jews feel a little less safe."
Local law enforcement is taking the incidents seriously.
The Suffolk County Police Hate Crimes Unit is investigating the flyers in Dix Hills as a non-criminal matter, while the governor has directed state police to collaborate with local authorities in investigating the Montauk graffiti.
So far, no arrests have been made.
