Police in Jackson, New Jersey have launched an investigation into the appearance of multiple swastikas on electricity poles in Johnson Park.
“I am deeply saddened to learn about this latest act of hate and stupidity,” Mayor Mike Reina told Lakewood Alerts in a statement.
“Police reports have been made, and they are being investigated. I’ve said it before, and sadly, I have to say it again, “Hate had no home in Jackson. We intend to prosecute all acts of hate and terror to the fullest extent of the law.”
Reina is currently serving his fourth term in office as mayor of the fourth-largest town in Ocean County.
One week ago, Ocean County Prosecutor Brad Billhimer ordered the deployment of an “anti-hate” trailer in the community. Some residents objected to the move, claiming there is no antisemitism in Jackson, Lakewood Alerts reported.
This past June, antisemitic graffiti was found at the site of a soon-to-be-built facility for Chai Lifeline in Jackson. The Jewish-owned health support organization provides programs and services to children and families of all religions who are dealing with life-threatening children’s illnesses.
“Is this for Jews” and other hateful messages were spray-painted on the lumber at the site. Police are investigating.
Just a few days earlier on June 5, 2023, swastikas were painted on 14 homes and another home under construction was burned in nearby Manchester. Ron Carr was subsequently charged with the hate, believing the homes were owned by Jews, according to Billhimer.