New York, NY, November 11, 2011 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) condemned a "shocking" incident of anti-Semitic graffiti and arson in Brooklyn early this morning, and offered a reward of $4,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the
perpetrator(s).
"We condemn in the strongest possible terms these shocking acts of anti-Semitism," said Ron Meier, ADL New York Regional Director. "The Nazi imagery and the burning of cars in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood is a chilling echo of a troubling past. This week we marked the 73rd anniversary of Kristallnacht, the night when Jewish property and windows were shattered in Germany, which signified the beginning of the Nazis' public persecution of German Jews. It is sickening that decades later, Jews continue to be targeted by hateful crimes and it is necessary to act to bring those responsible to justice."
According to police, at least three cars were set on fire in the Midwood area of Brooklyn and anti-Semitic slogans including swastikas, "KKK", and "F*** Jews" were painted on benches in the surrounding area.
"We applaud the New York Police Department (NYPD)'s decision to form a special task force to investigate this incident and we hope that this reward will help generate information that leads to the arrest of the perpetrator(s) of this horrific act," said Ron Meier.
A recent survey conducted by ADL found that in New York City's five boroughs, there were a total of 133 anti-Semitic incidents, including 53 incidents in Brooklyn, reported in 2010.
Anyone with information about the crime should contact the NYPD Crime Stopper tip phone line by calling (800) 577-TIPS, or by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and including the words "TIP577".
