CAIR-NY Condemns Vandalism of Brooklyn Synagogue, Welcomes Arrest, Hate Crime Charges for Man Who Allegedly Painted Nazi Swastikas on Tombstones in Ellenville Cemetery
Images by Google Maps. Video still by Sheryl Richmond.
(NEW YORK, NY, 7/29/2022)—The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today condemned vandalism of a Borough Park synagogue and welcomed the arrest and charges for a man who allegedly spray-painted Nazi swastikas on tombstones in an Ellenville, N.Y., cemetery.
According to police, two male youths were seen on surveillance cameras running down the block towards the Ateres Moshe Chasidei Umosodos Lelov synagogue in the Borough Park section of Brooklyn. They allegedly hurled stones at its windows, causing them to shatter, then fled the scene. Police are investigating the incident as a hate crime and believe that the alleged perpetrators may live nearby.
SEE: Borough Park synagogue vandalism spurs hate crime investigation
In Ellenville, N.Y., police arrested Joseph Pilgrene, 32, and charged him with several felonies, including third-degree criminal mischief as a hate crime, for allegedly spray-painting Nazi swastikas on several tombstones in Fantinekill Cemetery this past Monday.
SEE: Ellenville man accused of desecrating cemetery
Afaf Nasher, Executive Director of CAIR-NY, said in a statement:
“We condemn the alarming rise of hatred and violence directed at our Jewish brothers and sisters and their houses of worship. It is appalling and unacceptable. We urge the NYPD to find the perpetrators of this shameful vandalism.
“We also applaud the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office for apprehending the alleged perpetrator who desecrated tombstones with the vile, Nazi-inspired swastika—the notorious symbol of depraved, genocidal racial supremacists who harbor contempt for Jews and others whom they deem 'inferior.' CAIR-NY stands with the Jewish community in its continued fight against anti-Jewish bigotry.”
She added that CAIR-NY and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging racial supremacy, religious bigotry, xenophobia, and all other forms of hatred.
CAIR-NY has condemned several other disturbing hate incidents in recent weeks:
SEE:
CAIR-NY Condemns Racist Assault on Asian-American Man in Astoria, Welcomes Hate Crime Probe
CAIR-NY Condemns Alleged Snatching of Jewish Boy’s Yarmulke by Man in Brooklyn
CAIR-NY's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR-NY es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: Afaf Nasher, Esq., CAIR-NY Executive Director, 917-669-4006, anasher@cair.com; Ahmed Mohamed, CAIR-NY Legal Director, 646-481-2103, ahmedmohamed@cair.com