The NYPD is investigating two new incidents of swastika graffiti found in Highland Park and Forest Park in Queens on Sunday, just one week after a string of antisemitic vandalism targeted synagogues and homes across the borough.

According to the NYPD, officers responded to reports of a possible bias incident near Highland Boulevard and Vermont Place, across from Highland Park, around 8 a.m. on Sunday. Upon arrival, they discovered five swastikas spray-painted on signs, objects, and pavement within the 104th Precinct.

Approximately four hours later, police were called to another potential bias incident near 72nd Road and Union Turnpike, at the Forest Park Playground in the 102nd Precinct. Officers were informed that six swastikas had been spray-painted beneath an underpass.

As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with either incident, and police investigations are ongoing.

In a joint statement, New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin and Council members Lynn Schulman and Joann Ariola condemned the latest acts of antisemitism, noting that “just a week ago today, similar antisemitic graffiti was found at two synagogues and two private homes in the borough.”

The officials made it clear that such hateful incidents, meant to intimidate Jewish New Yorkers and divide the city, cannot and will not be accepted as normal. They pointed to the council’s recently passed Five-Point Action Plan to Combat Antisemitism as evidence of their commitment to fighting for education and accountability.

The city’s Parks Department has pledged to remove the offensive graffiti “as soon as possible,” according to the statement.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)