Police Probe Swastika Graffiti Inside Monsey Synagogue

MONSEY, NY — Anti-Semitic vandalism inside a synagogue in Monsey has prompted an investigation by the Ramapo Police Department.

Scrawlings were on walls in various parts of the building on Suzanne Drive and a couple of items were damaged, including a computer screen and clothing, Police Lt. Chris Franklin told Patch. Swastikas were found hidden in several locations, including under a counter and behind a coat rack. Police have no suspects though they have identified a "person of interest" to talk to. Anyone with information is urged to call the department at (845) 357-2400.

On Tuesday, Rockland County Executive Ed Day released a statement condemning the graffiti.

"I am appalled by the antisemitic vandalism found inside a Monsey synagogue," he said. "Any act of hate is an insult to our entire County and will not be tolerated and I am confident the Town of Ramapo Police Department and Rockland County Sheriff’s Office will get to the bottom of whoever is responsible for these incidents."

Another recent incident in the region involved not only anti-Semitic graffiti but also an attempt to get an innocent person in trouble. Four Croton-on-Hudson teenagers face charges in Yorktown in connection with racist and anti-Semitic graffiti spray-painted under a public bridge and tagged with a classmate's initials.