New York, NY, July 30, 2014 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today condemned an anti-Semitic and racist graffiti spree in Pearl River, N.Y. in which three vehicles and a driveway were vandalized with swastikas, the Nazi ‘SS’ symbol, the words “white power,” “n—–” and other offensive obscenities. One car’s tires were slashed.

Residents on North Lincoln Avenue discovered the vandalism on July 27.

Evan R. Bernstein, ADL New York Regional Director, issued the following statement:

The hateful anti-Semitic and racist graffiti in Pearl River are shocking and despicable acts that must be condemned in the strongest terms. These specific symbols of hate used in this attack are designed to instill fear and intimidation against both the victims and the entire Pearl River community.

 We urge members of the community to speak out and declare in one voice that these acts of hate are unacceptable.

 We are encouraged that the Orangetown Police Department is pursuing this investigation as a potential hate crime, and we are hopeful that those responsible will be identified and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

The number of anti-Semitic incidents across New York State fell by 18 percent in 2013, according to ADL’s annual Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents.

ADL has been monitoring an upsurge in anti-Semitic incidents across the country in reaction to Israel’s response to rocket fire from Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

 

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.  Follow us on Twitter: @ADL_NY