Hate in Brooklyn: Dozens of Swastikas Found in 18th Ave Park for 2 Consecutive Days

A disturbing wave of antisemitic vandalism has struck the popular 18th Avenue park in Boro Park, where swastikas were discovered scrawled across the playground on two consecutive days this week.

The incidents began on Tuesday when approximately 16 swastikas were found in the park, frequented by community children daily.

Shomrim volunteers responded to the scene and immediately cleaned the hate symbols.

However, the vandalism escalated significantly the following morning. On Wednesday, another 57 swastikas were discovered in the park.
“Yesterday, there were 16… we cleaned everything up today,” a Shomrim member told Belaaz. “In the morning, was found another 57 of them.”

Community patrols have been working proactively to address the situation. According to the Shomrim member, security cameras facing the park have captured video footage of the perpetrators.

The footage has helped Shomrim identify two suspects, believed to be teenagers, who the volunteer security force is preparing to pick up later on Wednesday.

Shomrim members have been on-site cleaning the graffiti to ensure the park remains welcoming for local families.

Jewish elected officials were outraged.

NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin condemned the incidents, writing: “I’m disgusted by this antisemitic graffiti in Borough Park — painted onto a playground, of all places.Days ago, I announced the @NYCCouncil’s five-point action plan to combat antisemitism. Abhorrent behavior such as this, reported on a near-daily basis, shows why our plan and legislation are so urgently needed.”

Councilman Simcha Felder, whose district includes the park, said in a statement shared with Belaaz: “I am disgusted! For a second consecutive day Gravesend Park was vandalized with vile swastikas-nearly 100 of them! This is a hateful act of intimidation, but cowardly bigots who hide in the dark will not intimidate us.I am calling for increased NYPD patrols in and around Gravesend Park and a thorough investigation to ensure these low lives are caught quickly and held fully accountable. The City must make it crystal clear that antisemitism has consequences and will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.”

Below are pictures from Wednesday’s incident, provided to Belaaz by Shomrim.

From Tuesday’s incident: