Antisemitic, Racist Writings Found At Vandalized School In Ocean County

JACKSON, NJ — Vandals broke into a former public school and caused extensive damage, while writing antisemitic and anti-African American messages on blackboards, Jackson Township police said Wednesday.

The incident at the former Christa McAuliffe Middle School, which is now owned by Beth Medrash Govoha, is one of two that are being investigated as bias incidents, Jackson Police Chief Mary Nelson said.

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The incident at the school, which was just recently purchased by BMG from the Jackson Township Schools, involved seven people who broke into the building and caused extensive damage, Nelson said.

She did not describe the nature of the damage except to say it included antisemitic and anti-African American messages written on the classroom blackboards and other areas within the school.

The writings included swastikas and the words "Heil Hitler," Nelson told the Asbury Park Press.

The police department has suspects in the break-in, which happened July 31, Nelson said, and because of the nature of what was written is prosecuting the case as a bias crime. Burglary, theft and criminal mischief charges also are expected, she said.

"As this remains an active criminal investigation, the legal process must be allowed to proceed, and no further information regarding those individuals will be released at this time," Nelson said.

The second investigation involves three incidents of criminal mischief at the Chai Lifeline facility located on County Line Road. During these incidents, windows at the facility were intentionally damaged, Nelson said.

Jackson police are working to identify suspects in that case, she said. The incidents happened May 13, July 16 and July 26, the Asbury Park Press report said.

"Due to the repeated nature of these offenses targeting a Jewish faith-based organization, these incidents are being investigated as bias crimes," she said.

"The Jackson Township Police Department condemns these hateful acts in the strongest possible terms. There is no place in our community for crimes motivated by hatred, prejudice, or intolerance," Nelson said.

"These acts not only impact the direct victims but also create fear throughout the community," she said. "Those responsible will be prosecuted to the fullest extent permitted by law, including all applicable bias crime charges where supported by the evidence."

Nelson said Jackson police have increased patrols at the school and around other sensitive locations throughout the township as a result of the incidents.

"Our goal is to ensure that every resident, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or background, feels safe to live, worship, learn, and practice their beliefs without fear of intimidation or violence," she said.

Anyone with information about either situation is urged to call the police department, Nelson said, and residents also are encouraged to report any suspicious activity immediately so that appropriate action can be taken.

"We stand united with our community against hate, bias, and discrimination in all forms," she said.