Natick To Paint Over Antisemitic Graffiti At MBTA Station

NATICK, MA — Natick residents were rocked by antisemitic graffiti painted on the ground near the West Natick MBTA station on Thursday.

The town and Select Board, in a statement, called the vandalism a "hate crime", but community members were quick to act on their own, covering the symbol — a swastika — with chalk art.

That art was left on the ground until Monday, when town staff will permanently paint over the vandalism, officials said.

While the community gathered for a rally in objection to the vandalism, the Natick Police Department continued an investigation, which remains active as of Monday, into the matter.

Read more: Community Gathers For Anti-Hate Rally In Natick After Anti-Semitic Graffiti Found Near West Natick Commuter Rail Station

"Natick unequivocally opposes all acts of hate, prejudice, intolerance or discrimination against all peoples," said Select Board Chair Bruce Evans, in a statement.

"These moments serve as a harsh reminder that we must stand vigilant as a community and continue to make progress via greater education and community outreach."

Evans also shared that, amid a rise in hate crimes nationally and independent of this vandalism, Natick is in the process of hiring a Director of Equity, Inclusion and Outreach.