Rocks Thrown Through Windows: Newton Antisemitic Attacks Escalate

NEWTON, MA — Incidents of antisemitic vandalism and hate in Newton continue to occur amid public condemnation, heightened vigilance and increased police patrols, according to Mayor Ruthanne Fuller.

Fuller said Thursday night that two more incidents of rocks being thrown through windows displaying "Boston Strong. Israel Strong" signs have been investigated in recent days, including one on Thursday.

These attacks are in addition to at least five cases of antisemitic vandalism that Newton police reported to the community earlier this week, following the destruction of fence posters with photos of Israeli hostages being held amid the Hamas War in Gaza.

(Also on Patch: 5 Newton Antisemitic Hate Incidents In Last 4 Weeks: Police)

"Officers in NPD's Community Services Bureau fully investigate all hate incidents and all hate crimes as well as underlying crimes associated with such incidents, crimes," Fuller said in a message to the community Thursday night. "Information on each hate incident/crime is shared with the Mayor's Office, the Newton Human Rights Commission, the Anti-Defamation League, and Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan's Office."

Fuller said that since Jan. 1, there have been 12 hate incidents or crimes reported in Newton — a 71 percent increase over the same time last year. Of those 12 cases, she said, eight were categorized as antisemitic, two antisemitic and anti-Black, one anti-Black, and one anti-immigrant.

Six of the seven hate incidents reported to NPD during the same period a year ago in 2023 were anti-Black incidents, and one was antisemitic, Fuller said.

She said reported hate incidents and crimes have approximately doubled since 2021 after a relatively steady five-year period from 2016 through 2020 with no more than 30 incidents per year.

"Newton police have added extra directed patrols and are asking the community for help," she said. "If you see something, say something by reporting it immediately to Newton police."

Anyone with any information about any of these or other hate incidents/crimes are asked to call the Newton Police Tip Line at 617-796-2121.