Westfield Police Chief Christpher Battiloro posted a response on Facebook Monday after fliers showing Israelis kidnapped by Hamas at the Westfield train station were defaced with slogans including “Free Palestine” and “End the Occupation.”
“The Westfield Police Department is in receipt of numerous reports regarding materials posted at the train station this morning, some of which were defaced with handwritten comments perceived by many to be threatening towards the Jewish community,” Battiloro wrote. “This incident is being reviewed for criminality.
“We observe an absolute zero tolerance policy for any and all forms bias and will thoroughly investigate any reported bias incidents,” he continued.
“We will refer all identified perpetrators to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office for criminal complaint approval and seek to prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.
“Please know, the safety and security of this community and its people — all people — is and always will be our paramount concern,” he said.
On Monday morning, Batilloro met with members of the Westfield Ministry Association to prepare for a prayer service for peace in Israel and Gaza that is planned for Tuesday night for at Saint Helen’s Church, he wrote.
The service for all faiths is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., according to an announcement by Mayor Shelley Brindle.
“Our officers will do their very best to make sure that everyone feels safe and secure here. We will continue to maintain a highly visible police presence in the community — at our schools, our houses of worship, at public gatherings, and elsewhere to ensure such,” Battiloro wrote.
“These are stressful and scary times for all of us. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the police if you need us. We are here for you.”