Swastikas Found Near Temple In West Orange; Police Probe Launched

WEST ORANGE, NJ — West Orange officials are condemning what they called a “despicable” act after three swastikas were found drawn on the sidewalk near a local house of worship.

According to a statement from town officials, a jogger found the swastikas around 1:45 p.m. on Dec. 18 near B’nai Shalom Temple on Pleasant Valley Way.

“The West Orange police immediately launched an investigation which is still ongoing,” officials said. “It is believed that this is an isolated incident and the offensive symbols were quickly removed.”

Officials continued:

“In the strongest terms possible Mayor Robert D. Parisi, Council President Cindy Matute-Brown, Councilwoman Michelle Casalino, Councilwoman Susan McCartney, Councilman Bill Rutherford, and Councilwoman Tammy Williams along with the entire West Orange Municipal Government stand resolute with all residents in denouncing the cowardly acts of hate perpetrated against our Jewish brothers and sisters. Acts of antisemitism or bias attacks against any faction of our society, whether physical, verbal, or symbolic will not be tolerated in West Orange. Such heinous and despicable actions against any one group or individual is considered an attack against us all and our deeply rooted community values. Neighborly love, unwavering unity, and mutual respect will rule the day as West Orange will continue to set the standard in always recognizing cultural diversity as our impregnable strength. Those of our residents who bore witness to the Holocaust and the sacrifice of our World War II Veterans are the enduring legacy of our fight against this specific bigotry today.”

Officials said anyone with information relating to the swastikas can contact the West Orange Police Department at (973) 325-4000.

U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill of the 11th District posted a message condemning the swastikas and labeling them a "despicable act of antisemitism."

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) also called the incident “appalling” in a social media statement.

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