Long Island Sees Increase In Anti-Semitic Incidents

There has been a rise in anti-Semitic acts across New York State, including incidents that have occurred on Long Island over the past year, according to a report released by the Anti-Defamation League.

In the first three months of 2017, New York has seen a total of 97 anti-Jewish incidents, which is a a 70 percent increase from 57 reported incidents in the first three months of 2016.

This increase also impacted Long Island. There were a total of 57 reported anti-Semetic incidents on Long Island in 2016 compared to 52 incidents reported in 2015, ADL reports.

“The upsurge and volume of anti-Semitic vandalism incidents across the state remains a serious concern and the data bears this out,” Evan R. Bernstein, ADL New York Regional Director said in a press release.

In Nassau County, the number of incidents increased from 21 in 2015 to 43 in 2016. However, the data shows that Suffolk County saw a decrease in the number of anti-Semitic incidents; the county went from 31 incidents in 2015 to 14 incidents in 2016.

There has been a total of eight anti-Semetic incidents reported on Long Island so far in 2017. Four of those incidents occurred in Nassau County and four occurred in Suffolk County, ADL reports.

“Between the bomb threats that targeted Jewish institutions and the proliferation of swastika vandalism, concerns remain about the security of New York’s Jewish community,” Andrew Frackman, ADL New York Regional Board Chair said. “The good news is that our elected officials and law enforcement continue diligently to combat the issue.”

Anti-Semitic incidents reported across Long Island over the past year included:

• October 2016: Swastikas Found Spray Painted on Sidewalk, Trees in Stewart Manor
• November 2016: Swastika Found on Bathroom Wall At Schreiber High School
• December 2016: Swastikas Found All Over Nassau Community College Campus
• December 2016: Nassau Police Find Swastikas Drawn in the Snow in Mineola
• December 2016: Swastikas Spray-Painted on Sidewalks in Mineola, Garden City Park
• January 2017: Swastika Graffiti Found in Massapequa Park
• February 2017: Swastikas Found Spray Painted on Car in Mineola
• February 2017: Nassau Police to Increase Patrols Following Bomb Threats to Jewish Community Centers
• April 2017: Racist Graffiti At Patchogue School Playground Done By 2 Teens: Police
• April 2017: Racist Graffiti Found In Front Of Rockville Centre Home

Photo of graffiti at Brady Park in Massapequa Park courtesy of Tobie Langsam