SWC Thanks NY Political Leaders for Show of Support in Face of Antisemitic Vandalism

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK (May 5, 2026) — Statement from Madison Mounty, Director of Government Relations and Advocacy, Simon Wiesenthal Center.

The Simon Wiesenthal Center strongly condemns the latest acts of vandalism targeting synagogues and homes in Queens with swastikas. These symbols carry a long and painful history of hatred, violence, and intimidation against Jewish communities.

It is unconscionable that in the United States of America anyone would be subjected to hate vandalism on their places of worship.  This is not just vandalism, but a blatant attempt to instill fear and make people feel unsafe in their own communities. 

This will not work. Efforts to intimidate the Jewish community must be met with unity, vigilance, and a shared commitment to ensuring our neighborhoods remain places of safety and respect.

We applaud the clear condemnation of this act from state and city leaders and their commitment to ensuring those responsible are brought to justice. It is critical that we not only respond to incidents like this but continue to invest in education and awareness so that the history and consequences of this kind of hate are fully understood.

For further information, please email Aram Goldberg at agoldberg@wiesenthal.com. Join the Center on Facebook, or follow @simonwiesenthal for news updates sent directly to your X feed.

About the Simon Wiesenthal Center

The Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC) is a global Jewish human rights organization that combats antisemitism, defends the State of Israel, and uses the lessons of the Holocaust to teach tolerance and combat hate. It holds consultative status at the United Nations, UNESCO, the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the OAS and the Latin American Parliament (PARLATINO). Headquartered in Los Angeles, the SWC operates in key centers of Jewish life including New York, Chicago, Florida, Toronto, Jerusalem, Vienna and Buenos Aires. To learn more, visit www.wiesenthal.org.