Antisemitic Vandalism Hits Brooklyn Playground 2 Days In A Row, Police Say

BROOKLYN, NY — The unsettling discovery of Nazi symbols scrawled at a Brooklyn community playground has alarmed residents and drawn condemnation from city leaders.

Officials are investigating after roughly 57 swastikas were discovered at a children’s playground in Gravesend Park near 18th Avenue in Borough Park. The graffiti, painted in red, yellow and blue, appeared on slides and a nearby handball court wall, along with other antisemitic markings.

"These sick individuals need to find out that actions have consequences," members of Community Board 12 wrote on social media, adding that the 66th Precinct had been notified and the incident is under investigation by the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force. "Hopefully justice will be served swiftly."

The repeated acts of vandalism and hate have drawn sharp criticism from elected officials and community leaders, including Mayor Mamdani, who posted on X late Wednesday calling for those responsible to be investigated and held accountable.

"I am sickened by this antisemitic vandalism in Borough Park. Antisemitism has no place in our city, and I stand shoulder to shoulder with the Jewish New Yorkers who were targeted," Mamdani wrote. "My administration is working closely with the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force as well as our Parks Department."

Meanwhile, City Council Speaker Julie Menin said the incident underscores the urgency of the Council’s five-point action plan to combat antisemitism, which she announced just last week. Calling the vandalism “abhorrent behavior,” Menin said such incidents are being reported nearly every day, highlighting the need for swift action and legislation.

Police said they are classifying the incident as aggravated harassment and responded to the park shortly before 11 a.m. Wednesday, where they discovered the hateful graffiti.

No arrests have been made as of Thursday morning.