Car Broken Into, Vandalized With Swastikas In Queens: Officials

HILLCREST, QUEENS — Someone broke into a car in Queens and covered its seats with swastikas and profanities, according to police and elected officials.

The incident happened overnight between Sunday and Monday near 176th Street and 76th Avenue in Hillcrest, according to state Assembly Member Dan Rosenthal, who posted photographs of the graffiti on Twitter.

Yet another antisemitic attack. This time in our own backyard. We must be able to feel safe in our neighborhoods. We must do more. This trajectory is unsustainable and unacceptable. pic.twitter.com/TXzX2RAzuh
— Daniel Rosenthal (@DanRosenthalNYC) January 13, 2020

"Whether it's in the heart of my district or anywhere across the state, it is becoming abundantly clear that we must do more to combat the rise of hate crimes that are increasingly instilling fear," Assembly Member Nily Rozic, who represents that part of Queens, said in a statement.

The vandalism surfaced just a day after Queens hosted a rally against anti-Semitism in Forest Hills' MacDonald Park and one week after a citywide march against anti-Semitism, organized after five people were stabbed during a Hanukkah celebration at a Rabbi's home in Monsey, New York.

"Now more than ever, our partnership with local law enforcement is critical as we remain vigilant and work towards rebuilding a sense of safety that has been torn away from our communities," Rozic added.

The NYPD's 107th Precinct is investigating the incident as a hate crime, according to City Council Speaker Corey Johnson.

More anti-Semitic attacks. More hate. More ugliness.

We cannot accept this. We must do everything in our power to put an end to these attacks. NYPD is investigating this as a hate crime. Please remember to report any acts of hate you witness. https://t.co/Ro7K5CGWpy
— NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson (@NYCSpeakerCoJo) January 13, 2020