SKOKIE, IL — The Skokie Police Department is investigating two incidents of antisemitism at parks that happened over the weekend, authorities announced.
In both incidents, groups of pre-teen and young teenagers reported that individuals approached them and used antisemitic language or made comments questioning their national origin or religious identity.
On Friday evening, police responded to a reported incident at Lorel Park involving a small group of girls. The girls told police that another group of people had questioned their religious identity and national origin, and made comments about their appearance.
The other group also threw woodchips at the girls and pulled their hair, the girls told police. One girl said that she was slapped on her leg.
The next afternoon, police responded to a different incident at Central Park that involved a basketball game. Three young Jewish people told police that the opposing team used antisemitic language during the course of a game.
The dispute escalated when a person on the opposing team reportedly punched one of the boys and damaged his necklace.
"The Skokie Police Department is investigating both of these incidents. The department has been in contact with all those involved in the Lorel Park incident, and is in the process of identifying individuals involved in the Central Park incident," Skokie police said in a statement.
Anyone who may have additional information about either of these incidents was urged to contact the police at 847-982-5900. The 24-hour Skokie Crime Tip Hotline is 847-933-8477. Text-A-Tip is available 24 hours a day by texting “Skokie” and your tip to 226787.
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