Local Officials Speak Out After Anti-Semitic Graffiti Found At Syosset High School

SYOSSET, NY - Several local officials have responded to the anti-Semitic graffiti found at Syosset High School over the weekend.

On Sunday morning, a school security officer discovered that the walls, doors and windows in the back of the school on 70 Southwoods Road, had been sprayed painted with anti-Semitic writings that included swastikas.

In addition, ‘MS13” and other profanities were found written in various colors of spray paint.

Following the incident, local school and town officials have released statements in response.

Superintendent Tom Rogers announced in a letter to the community that in addition to the police investigation, the school district will be conducting an internal investigation.

"We take all incidents seriously, but hate speech is especially pernicious," Rogers wrote in the letter. "It tears at the very fabric of a community – its unity; and at the heart of our families – their identity."

He also mentioned his recent speech during the Class of 2017 commencement in June where he "hailed Syosset’s wonderful diversity."

"...I am convinced that Syosset’s dedication to diversity is not superficial. It was not created overnight, and it will not be easily undone by the overnight actions of a few," he said. "Nevertheless, let me make clear that hatred, bias, or intolerance of any kind have no place in our schools. Quite the opposite, every student – regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity or religion – is entitled to attend a school that is warm, welcoming and safe."

Former school board president and current Oyster Bay town supervisor candidate Marc Herman also released a statement on the incident.

“Today's discovery of anti-semitic graffiti is just the latest string of senseless violence and hate that is spreading throughout our country like a deadly cancer. As a parent and as a father who sent his children to Syosset High School, as well as the former President of the Syosset Central School District, it's deeply frustrating to watch our community be the latest victim of repugnant, race filled hate," he wrote.

In addition, in his statement he stated that additional security and safety patrols are necessary around public and religious institutions.

"Leadership starts on the local level, so when our federal government lets us down, it's up to individual communities and community members like us to assume the mantle of responsibility for denouncing hate and showing our country the light again," he said.

Syosset school board trustee Josh Lafazan, who is currently in Israel, said in his statement that he was "sick to his stomach" to learn of the graffiti.

"I planned to spend the week in Israel speaking with community activists and government officials about how to combat hate in our nation, and about the rising scourge of anti-semitism on college campuses," he said. "Never would I have imagined this type of hatred would occur in my own hometown. As a Syosset School Board of Education Trustee, a lifelong Syosset resident, and a proud member of the Jewish community, I feel a responsibility to speak up."

Lafazan also suggested adding additional security to the school. In his statement he said that at the next school board meeting he will be publicly calling for more security at all 10 buildings in the district.

"What comes to mind immediately is this past fall, when the Syosset School Board worked with community members such as Niki Bhatia and Uzma Syed to make Syosset the very first public school district on Long Island to declare Lunar New Year, Diwali, and Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr all official district holidays," he said. "Good or bad, one action does not define an area. I call on all residents of the Syosset community to become more united in the wake of attempted divisiveness."

Local Nassau County Legislator Arnold Drucker also called for additional enforcement around the school in his statement.

"I have been in contact with local law enforcement to step up police patrols in the area, and around our local schools, for the safety and security of our local residents and students," he wrote in his statement. "With many students scheduled to attend Freshman orientation tomorrow at Syosset High School, I want to reassure our community that these brazen, cowardly acts of hate will not be tolerated here, or anywhere else."

On Monday, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino along with Nassau County Police, State Assemblyman Michael Montesano, County Legislator Donald MacKenzie, Jewish Community Relations Council Executive Director Mindy Perlmutter, school officials and others hosted a press conference to make their statements denouncing the crime.

“There is no room for any kind of bigotry in our Town, and this type of behavior and vandalism will not be tolerated," Saladino said. "It is imperative that we speak out against hate in our communities, as crimes like these have hit too close to home in recent months. We call for parents to speak with their children about acceptance and ask for unity within our community.”