Jewish School Buses Defaced With Swastikas in Brooklyn
New York police are investigating antisemitic vandalism on four Jewish school buses in Williamsburg. The vehicles were found covered with swastikas and anti Israel slogans on Monday.
Officers from the NYPD's 90th Precinct responded shortly before 10:00 local time on November 2, or 17:00 Israel time, to a report of criminal mischief near Bedford Avenue and Williamsburg Street West. Local news outlet amNewYork, citing law enforcement sources, said four parked buses had been marked with black spray paint.
School Transport Targeted
Photographs published by local media showed swastikas and slogans including "Free Palestine" and an expletive directed at Israel. Some markings crossed the Hebrew lettering identifying the vehicles. The buses were part of the daily transport system serving Jewish children in the Brooklyn neighborhood.
Williamsburg 365 identified the affected operators with the Satmar and Klausenburg communities and Tiferes Yisroel. The neighborhood news outlet said Williamsburg Shomrim, a Jewish volunteer patrol, was working with police to obtain surveillance footage and identify whoever carried out the vandalism.
The targeting of school transport brings the issue of protecting Jewish pupils into the journey between home and the classroom. Here, the objects carrying the hate messages were the buses families rely on for that journey.
Hate Crime Investigators Take the Case
The NYPD's Hate Crime Task Force is investigating alongside the local precinct. No arrests had been announced in the initial police account published Monday.
The department's own guidance explains that a hate crime can involve damage to property as well as an attack on a person. It specifically identifies graffiti containing racial slurs or swastikas as conduct that can fall within that category. Officers notify the specialist task force when an incident appears to involve bias.
That framework also informs investigations into possible hate motives in attacks on Jewish New Yorkers. The evidence in each case determines how it is classified and which charges prosecutors pursue.
Officials Condemn the Intimidation
Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the prospect of children finding swastikas on their school buses and said Jewish families should not have to experience such intimidation. Attorney General Letitia James urged anyone with information to contact law enforcement.
Council member Lincoln Restler, whose district includes the area, said his office was working with police and Shomrim to find those responsible. Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal called for the perpetrator to be apprehended and prosecuted under the applicable hate crime laws.
Phylisa Wisdom, executive director of the mayor's Office to Combat Antisemitism, told amNewYork that Jewish residents must be able to live openly and freely. She said the administration was in contact with police and community leaders.
How Witnesses Can Help
The investigation is seeking information that could identify the person or people responsible. Williamsburg 365 reported that investigators and the volunteer patrol were looking for video from the area, making nearby surveillance recordings a potential source of evidence.
The NYPD accepts confidential tips through Crime Stoppers at 800-577-8477. Spanish speakers can call 888-577-4782. Anyone facing an immediate emergency should call 911.
