2 teens arrested for painting swastikas in Gravesend Park playground, elected officials respond
City Council Speaker Julie Menin with community leaders to denounce antisemitic graffiti found at Gravesend Park. Photo: John McCarten/NYC Council Media Unit
BOROUGH PARK — Cops arrested two teenagers Jan. 22 for allegedly painting swastikas at Gravesend Park.
Both 15-year-old boys were charged with aggravated harassment. One of them was also charged with criminal mischief as a hate crime.
City Council Speaker Julie Menin with community leaders to denounce antisemitic graffiti found at Gravesend Park. Photo: John McCarten/NYC Council Media Unit
Police said on Jan. 20, they found 16 swastikas painted in red at the playground and handball court on 18th Avenue and 56th Street at 7:25 p.m.
The next day, 57 more swastikas and antisemitic language were discovered in the same areas, written in red, blue and yellow.
Following the discovery, City Council Speaker Julie Menin went to the park and met with community leaders to denounce the antisemitic graffiti found in the park.
City Council Speaker Julie Menin with community leaders to denounce antisemitic graffiti found at Gravesend Park. Photo: John McCarten/NYC Council Media Unit
“While children played nearby, I saw the playground that dozens of swastikas were painted onto,” she wrote on X. “These abhorrent incidents are part of an alarming trend, underscoring the importance of the New York City Council’s five-point plan to combat antisemitism and strengthen community safety.”
Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he was “sickened” by the antisemitic vandalism.
“Antisemitism has no place in our city, and I stand shoulder to shoulder with the Jewish New Yorkers who were targeted,” he said. “My administration is working closely with the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force as well as our Parks Department, and those responsible will be investigated and held accountable.”
City Council Speaker Julie Menin with community leaders to denounce antisemitic graffiti found at Gravesend Park. Photo: John McCarten/NYC Council Media Unit
“I am outraged by the hateful vandalism at Gravesend Park, where blood-red swastikas were sprayed across a playground in a Jewish neighborhood, even on children’s equipment,” wrote Assemblymember Michael Novakhov. “This is vile antisemitism, plain and simple. Jewish families should never have to worry about their children encountering hatred while playing in their own community. Hate against Jews will not be tolerated in Brooklyn or anywhere. Those responsible must be found and held fully accountable.”
Community Board 12 thanked police for their response and arrests.
“Thank you @BPShomrim and the @NYPDHateCrimes Task Force for their outstanding teamwork and dedication in bringing those responsible for the bias incident in our parks to justice,” CB12 wrote on X. “United efforts are what matter and there is no place for hate in our communities!”
City Council Speaker Julie Menin with community leaders to denounce antisemitic graffiti found at Gravesend Park. Photo: John McCarten/NYC Council Media Unit
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
