Exclusive | Trump Justice Dept. urged to probe antisemitic incidents in Queens
Queens activists are calling on the Department of Justice to investigate a series of antisemitic incidents that have been plaguing the Jackson Heights neighborhood for years. The latest incident involved the desecration of a menorah during the Hanukkah holiday last month, sparking outrage and concern among the local community.
Former Queens Councilman Hiram Monserrate and retired City College of New York professor Samuel Kleinplatz have filed a civil rights complaint with the DOJ, highlighting evidence of hateful graffiti and symbols such as swastikas and “gas the Jews” that have been found in the area over the past two years.
The complaint specifically points out that these incidents, which have escalated since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks in Israel, appear to be hate crimes motivated by religious bias against the Jewish community. The activists are urging the DOJ to investigate the matter promptly to prevent further escalation and ensure accountability.
Despite multiple reports to local law enforcement, no arrests have been made in connection with these incidents. The complaint includes photos of a resident on 80th Street who the community activists believe is involved in spreading anti-Semitic sentiments in the neighborhood.
Some of the incidents cited in the complaint include the vandalization of a public menorah in Travers Park during Hanukkah, a swastika carved into the sidewalk near the Jackson Heights Mural Project celebrating diversity, and graffiti saying “Death (to) Zionists” near the Jackson Heights Jewish Center.
Other incidents mentioned in the complaint include swastikas sprayed throughout the area, antisemitic messages on a bus, and graffiti targeting Jewish schools and synagogues. These acts not only violate federal laws but also create a hostile environment and interfere with the right to practice religion freely within the community.
The activists are calling for federal intervention to address this disturbing pattern of hate crimes and ensure the safety and well-being of the Jewish community in Jackson Heights. The DOJ has yet to comment on the matter, but the community remains hopeful that their concerns will be taken seriously and action will be taken to address these troubling incidents.
