Stickers bearing hate speech were discovered Monday morning on a stop sign and on the Ali Marpet Way sign along the walkway between Farragut Middle School's playground and Reynolds Field in Hastings-on-Hudson. Community leaders described the messages as targeted at Israel and Jewish people and condemned the incident as completely out of bounds for the village.
Officials launch investigation
In a letter to the community on Monday, Hastings-on-Hudson Mayor Tom Drake and Superintendent William S. McKersie called the stickers "an affront to Israel and Jewish people" and wrote that "these statements are offensive, unacceptable, and have no place in our community," according to Village of Hastings-on-Hudson. The letter said the village and school district have a zero-tolerance stance toward hate speech and acts of bias and that officials are coordinating with the Hastings Police Department on the investigation.
Where the stickers showed up
Similar stickers were also found on several village pay stations, leading officials to suspect the activity may be part of a broader campaign around the community, as reported by Daily Voice. Village and school officials said they will review school security-camera footage in the area to try to identify anyone responsible.
Community response and next steps
The village letter encouraged anyone with information to contact the Hastings Police Department and noted a "Speak Up" presentation sponsored by the PTSA's Inclusion Working Group was scheduled that evening at the Farragut Middle School auditorium to address hurtful language and bias, per Village of Hastings-on-Hudson. Officials said they remain committed to keeping schools and shared public spaces safe and welcoming.
Why this matters beyond Hastings
Hate incidents targeting Jewish people have increased nationally in recent years; the Anti-Defamation League recorded 9,354 antisemitic incidents in 2024, the highest total in its tracking history, underscoring wider concerns about harassment and vandalism in public spaces, per the Anti-Defamation League. Officials said there is currently no evidence linking the incident to the school district, but village and school leaders are reviewing security footage as part of the investigation, according to Daily Voice.
What residents can expect
Village leaders said the investigation remains active and they will share updates as new information becomes available. Residents were urged to support students and neighbors by attending inclusion events and reporting any tips to local police.
