A white van spray painted in red with the words “Kill Jews” was seen on Jerome Avenue in Norwood on Tuesday, Nov. 7 [Election Day]. It is the second such display of antisemitic vandalism seen in the neighborhood in the space of about a week, and a month after the Hamas terrorist group attacked Southern Israel on Oct. 7, causing an immediate shelling and ground invasion of the Gaza Strip by Israeli defense forces.

 

As reported at the time by Norwood News, and according to the latest reporting by NPR, Hamas attacked several communities in Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,400 people and kidnapping around 240 people, some of whom have since been released. Since then, according to the news outlet, the death toll in Gaza has exceeded 10,000 and mass protests have been held all over the world in the context of the crisis, with many across the world, including in the U.S., calling for a ceasefire to allow the lifting of a blockade along the Gaza frontier to allow in urgently needed medical and food supplies.

Dr. Michael Ryan of the World Health Organization said on Oct. 26, “What’s unfolding in Gaza right now is a humanitarian and health catastrophe…the situation is beyond belief.” Ryan called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza so that “unhindered, unfettered humanitarian relief” can enter the territory.

 

 

Further down the street was another street car washing site with another white van which had purple and black graffiti symbolism spray painted on it. We asked one of the men at the site if they knew what the graffiti meant. One elderly man said the symbols were gang related and were often seen spray painted in many areas. He specifically mentioned the area around LaGuardia airport. “This a thing of gangs, from the schools,” the man said in Spanish. “If they got caught, they know they will be arrested.”

 

 

When contacted for comment on the latest incidence of antisemitism in his district, Jeffrey Dinowitz said, “Antisemitism is at the highest point in memory. The number of antisemitic incidents since the unprovoked attacked by the savage Hamas terrorist against Israel on October 7, which resulted in the largest slaughter of Jews since the Holocaust, has gone up by over 400%. Hatred of Jews is a problem both on the extreme right and the extreme left.’

He added, “The horrible antisemitic statements coming out of some of the people who are part of the anti-Israel demonstrations as well as the tearing down of posters of the hostages is just disgusting. I know we can count on the police to crack down and investigate this incident and every other incident. I believe that we have to stand tall and stand strong against all forms of antisemitism, and stand united and support of Israel, and the demand to release the hostages.”

 

On Nov. 7, U.S. Sen. Kirstin Gillibrand, delivered a speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate, drawing attention to the hostages kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7. She later tweeted on X, formerly known as Twitter, “It’s been exactly one month since Hamas’ brutal attack on Israel. For the families of those taken hostage, this month has been unbearable as they wait for their loved ones to return home safely. I’m praying for these families, and I won’t stop fighting until we #BringThemHomeNow.”

 

A group of healthcare workers / Palestinian supporters gathered by City Hall in Manhattan on Friday evening, Nov. 3, to read out the names and pray for healthcare workers killed in Gaza since Oct. 8. Some wore scrubs and white lab coats, with one attendee (also dressed in scrubs) saying the rally had been organized by local healthcare workers.

Police said hate crimes increased citywide by 124% (101 v. 45) in October, compared to September, driven by a 214% (69 v. 22) spike in anti-Jewish incidents. Overall, however, year-to-date citywide hate crimes decreased by 9% (485 v. 531) police said.

 

For those wishing to donate to help humanitarian efforts in the Middle East, UNICEF is coordinating aid for those affected by the conflict. Visit https://www.unicefusa.org/.