Activists in Queens are urging the Justice Department to look into a recent series of anti-Semitic events in the Jackson Heights area. This includes the desecration of a menorah last month during Hanukkah.
Hiram Monserrat, a former Queens councilman, and Samuel Kleinplatz, previously a City University of New York professor, have submitted civil rights complaints to the Justice Department. Their complaints detail instances of hate-filled graffiti and symbols, including swastikas and phrases like “gassing Jews,” that have surfaced in the neighborhood over the past two years.
In their complaint filed on January 10, they state, “This latest incident is part of a troubling pattern that has emerged following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack in Israel. It appears to be a hate crime driven by religious bias against the Jewish community. We strongly encourage the Department of Justice to investigate this situation urgently, to prevent further escalation and ensure accountability.”
The activists assert that the actions seem to be orchestrated by a specific group, with at least one member residing in Jackson Heights. They note that local police have received multiple reports about these incidents, but no arrests have yet occurred.
The complaint includes a photograph of a resident from 80th Street, whom community members suspect might be involved in the spread of anti-Jewish sentiment.
Some incidents mentioned in the complaint include:
- A large menorah in Travers Park, located on 34th Street between 77th and 78th Streets, was vandalized during Hanukkah in mid-December 2025. This menorah was linked to Chabad of Jackson Heights.
- A swastika was discovered carved into the sidewalk at 84th Street and Roosevelt Avenue on December 1, 2025, right near a mural celebrating tolerance and diversity.
- On September 22, 2025, just before Rosh Hashanah, graffiti that read “Death to Zionists” was found near the Jackson Heights Jewish Center.
- In October 2024, shortly before Yom Kippur, swastikas were sprayed throughout the area, including one on a garage door.
- In November 2023, the phrase “Gas the Jews” was painted on a Q49 bus that operates in East Elmhurst and Jackson Heights.
- On September 13, 2023, graffiti stating “Fck Isrl” and a sticker saying “Bash Your Local Zionists” were found at 37th Street and 83rd Street.
In their complaint, the activists emphasize that these actions violate federal laws that prohibit interference with religious practices and property damage based on prejudice. They create a tense atmosphere and infringe on the right to safely live in a community based on one’s religious beliefs.
They also note that similar incidents nearby, including attacks on Jewish schools and synagogues, underscore the urgency for federal involvement to tackle this concerning trend.
As of now, there has been no response from the Justice Department.
