Antisemitic vandalism was reported at Brooklyn’s Magen David Yeshivah, where swastikas were spray-painted on the institution's pillars and windows yesterday morning. The yeshiva, serving students from preschool through twelfth grade, was targeted alongside a cemetery and a community center, officials said. Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani condemned the incidents, with Hochul describing the acts as "terrorism" and pledging to increase state funding to protect sensitive locations such as synagogues and yeshivas. According to Gothamist, the state’s Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes program is expected to expand from $70 million to $90 million, with new funds becoming available in January.
The suspect, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and riding a bicycle, was recorded on surveillance video defacing the religious site. The footage was captured just hours after Mamdani’s mayoral win over former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Bob Moskovitz, Executive Coordinator for Flatbush Shomrim Patrol, told the New York Post, "In light of the results from the election last night, everybody is super sensitive and we’re afraid that this is going to be the new norm, where these people are going to be emboldened that think that they can get away with it."
U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik criticized the recent political leadership, suggesting a connection between the election results and the antisemitic incident, as reported by the New York Post. Stefanik also stated that Mayor-elect Mamdani and Governor Hochul did not respond to the vandalism quickly enough. Both officials later addressed the issue, with Mamdani writing, "This is a disgusting and heartbreaking act of antisemitism," and affirming his commitment to combating antisemitism in the city.
Hochul’s response to the vandalism included both condemnation and a pledge to increase funding for security measures. At an event attended by Democratic state Sen. Sam Sutton, Hochul described the vandalism as an "act of terrorism" and announced an additional $20 million in the state budget, specifically designated for security grants for non-public schools. The NYPD has launched an investigation into the incident, though no arrests have been made, as reported by the New York Post.
