'Disgusted': Glen Rock High Swastika Graffiti Prompts Outrage, Concern

GLEN ROCK, NJ — Swastika graffiti found on a desk at Glen Rock High School this week has prompted an outcry of concern from officials locally, including Congressman Josh Gottheimer and the entire Borough Council.

School officials said the swastika was found "etched" onto a desk at the high school on Wednesday morning, and the desk was promptly removed from the classroom.

A police report has been filed, but both school and local officials say the matter is especially concerning due to the timing of the discovery.

"We are even more disgusted that this occured on the eve of Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year in Judaism and we acknowledge the pain that this act of hatred brings to our Jewish friends and community members of the eve of this holy day," said the district, in a letter.

"The Glen Rock Public Schools strongly denounces these actions as this symbol, no matter the size, stands for genocide, intolerance and hate," they added.

Upon hearing the news, Mayor Kristine Morieko and the entire Borough Council issued a statement saying that they are "saddened, angered, and embarrassed."

"Hate and intolerance have no home in our Borough. We stand with the Glen Rock Public Schools in condemning this behavior and any action that makes any person feel any less than safe, welcomed and protected in this community. We proudly stand with the Jewish community on the eve of this high holy day, and all days," the statement read.

Morieko took to Facebook to expand on those thoughts, adding that parents should take this moment as an invitation to have a conversation with their kids.

Congressman Josh Gottheimer added his thoughts on Thursday.

"It is deeply upsetting that such a horrible display of antisemitism occurred just before Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar," said Gottheimer.

"Students deserve to be able to feel safe at school, not fearful of acts of hate. This is unacceptable."

According to district officials, they are making "every effort to identify the offender," which includes interviewing students and reviewing video surveillance.

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