A menorah located in a park in Jackson Heights has been defaced, prompting anger among the local community. This incident adds to a troubling trend of anti-Semitic graffiti in Queens, according to local police and Jewish leaders.
Rabbi Meir Pape from the Jackson Heights Chabad discovered that the main support beam of a sizable menorah had been covered in spray foam on Saturday, just a day prior to the scheduled public Hanukkah lighting ceremony at Travers Park.
“It was quite disturbing,” Pape remarked on Tuesday.
While the menorah may still serve its purpose, Pape criticized the vandalism, calling it “just a statement.”
“This is a Jewish symbol, and targeting it is clearly an act against the Jewish community,” the rabbi explained.
“It’s meant to be beautiful, an expression of light, warmth, and positivity. Someone chose to mar that beauty,” he added.
Thankfully, members of a local beautification group managed to remove the foam, allowing residents to proceed with the public lighting on Sunday, which marked the first evening of the Jewish holiday.
“Despite the bitter cold and icy conditions, everyone came together to show their support,” he noted.
Hiram Monserrate, the Democratic Party Chairman for the 35th Congressional District, highlighted that the area has faced a series of anti-Semitic vandalism incidents over the past year.
“Beyond the damaged menorah, we’ve seen a consistent pattern of violent anti-Semitic messages throughout Jackson Heights, with graffiti and stickers appearing in various places, including near the Jackson Heights Jewish Center, Travers Park, and Paseo Park,” Monserrate stated.
He has requested the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force to investigate the matter.
“It’s quite concerning that these offenders have been active in Jackson Heights for such an extended period,” said Monserrate, who has previously served as a state senator and City Council member.
He shared images from the area, which included a swastika within a Star of David and other graffiti messages like “Heil Hitler” and “Death Zionist.”
Pape mentioned that local Jewish leaders are organizing a second menorah lighting this upcoming Sunday, responding to this act of hate.
“The last thing we should do is cancel our celebration,” he asserted. “This will not deter us from spreading more goodness, kindness, and positivity.”
The NYPD has not yet provided any comments on the situation.
