Français
Español
English
Portuguese
The discovery came amid deep concern among Jewish residents over Mamdani’s long record of anti-Israel rhetoric.
By United with Israel Staff
Tensions in New York City’s Jewish community soared Wednesday morning after two red swastikas were found painted on the entrance of the Magen David Yeshiva in Brooklyn, just hours after Zohran Mamdani’s election as the city’s new mayor.
The discovery came amid deep concern among Jewish residents over Mamdani’s long record of anti-Israel rhetoric.
Police said security staff at the McDonald Avenue yeshiva called authorities around 6 a.m. after spotting the hate symbols drawn in red paint on the building’s pillars and window. Surveillance footage showed a lone suspect, dressed in black and wearing a fedora, arriving by bicycle and stopping briefly to scrawl the swastikas before fleeing.
Gov. Kathy Hochul condemned the incident as “an act of terrorism,” vowing swift action against those responsible. “You cannot engage in such hatred in our great state, in our great city and the great borough of Brooklyn, and think you will get away with it. You will be caught and you will be punished,” she said at a press conference later in the day.
Magen David Yeshiva in Brooklyn, NY vandalized with swastikas. (social media)
The hateful graffiti was soon covered with an Israeli flag placed by local residents, while additional swastikas were later discovered on construction barriers outside a Jewish cemetery in Midwood and on a nearby concrete wall.
Mayor-elect Mamdani posted on social media that the “disgusting” and “heartbreaking” act of antisemitism had no place in New York, promising, “As mayor, I will always stand steadfast with our Jewish neighbors to root the scourge of antisemitism out of our city.”
Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams also denounced the vandalism and warned that such acts were the result of growing tolerance for extremist rhetoric. “Antisemitism has no place in our schools, our government or our city,” Adams said. “But it’s sadly what happens when too many normalize antisemitic rhetoric.”
Flatbush Shomrim Patrol dispatcher Bob Moskowitz told the New York Post that even a single symbol of hate can traumatize an entire community. “Here you have a predominantly Jewish neighborhood, a Jewish school with a massive attendance,” he said. “It’s very traumatic.”
Police said the suspect fled the scene on foot after the vandalism and that no arrests have yet been made.
The swastika incidents come amid a sharp rise in antisemitic hate crimes across the United States since Hamas’ Oct. 7 massacre in Israel. In New York City, antisemitic incidents have surged to record levels, leaving many Jewish residents fearful — and Mamdani’s victory has only deepened those concerns.
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!
