More Swastikas Found At John Jay High School

CROSS RIVER, NY — More swastikas were found on property of the Katonah-Lewisboro School District Monday.

In a letter to the community, Supertintendent Andrew Selesnick said the hate symbols were found drawn in a bathroom at John Jay High School.

He said the police were immediately notified.

This latest incident follows a presentation to high school students last week by Holocaust survivor Judith Altmann.

It also comes on the same day two Jewish community centers — in Tarrytown and New Rochelle — received bomb threats. There were additional threat to community centers around the country.

SEE ALSO:

• 3 Arrested for Spraying Painting Swastikas At Lewisboro School Playground
• More Swastikas Found on Katonah-Lewisboro School Property
• Swastikas Found on Katonah-Lewisboro School Bus
• Holocaust Survivor Shares Positive Outlook To John Jay Students
• UPDATE: Two JCCs In Hudson Valley Receive Bomb Threats Monday

In December, swastikas were found on the playground at Lewisboro Elementary School. Other incidents included the symbols found on a school bus and carved on a tree.

Selesnick said it is increasingly clear to faculty and administration that a vast majority of students reject the hateful behavior and negative power of the swastika.

“I say that both because of the responses in last week’s assemblies — and ensuing classroom conversations — and because of the increasing speed with which students are alerting us to behavior they find intolerable,” he said.

It is Selesnick’s belief that a tiny fraction of the school population is causing the problem.

“We have reason to believe the behavior is driven more by a desire to be disruptive or a need for attention, than due to hate targeted at others,” he said. “Nevertheless, we redouble our efforts to find those responsible and will continue working to educate all students.”

High School Principal Dr. Steven Siciliano sent a message to all high school students, Selesnick said, informing them of the latest incident and asking them to share any relevant information.

Siciliano also reminded the students of the serious consequences the perpetrators face.

Photo credit: Google Maps.