Dozens of Brown University Students Arrested After Protest

Officers arrested 41 students at Brown University during a protest Monday night, the second in recent weeks that called on the school’s leadership to commit to a list of demands related to the Israel-Hamas war.

The students once again staged a sit-in at one of Brown’s main campus buildings, University Hall, and “refused to leave” after operating hours, even after school officials issued “multiple trespassing warnings,” according to Brown spokesman Brian Clark.

At 6 p.m., the students were arrested by Brown’s Department of Public Safety on the charge of “willful trespass within school buildings.”

“Given that this is the second prominent incident in recent weeks of students trespassing in a secure, non-residential building after operating hours, the university fully expects to recommend more significant criminal misdemeanor charges for any future incidents after the Dec. 11 sit-in,” Clark told the Globe in a statement Monday night.

“Students continue to have the ability to hold protests and demonstrations, provided they abide by the University’s codes of conduct,” he added.

The sit-in was organized by the Brown Divest Coalition, which has repeatedly called on the university to divest “from companies that facilitate the genocide in Gaza.”

On Nov. 8, about 20 Brown University students were arrested after staging a sit-in at University Hall and refusing to leave when the building closed to the public at the end of the business day. The students, who said they were Jewish and part of newly formed campus group, BrownU Jews for Ceasefire Now, demanded that Paxson call for a ceasefire in Gaza and divest the university’s endowment of weapons manufacturers that was engaged in “Israeli military occupation.”

The students were expected to be arraigned in late November, but the university dropped its charges after a Brown University student, Hisham Awartani, and two of his childhood friends were shot near the University of Vermont campus in Burlington, Vermont. All three students are of Palestinian descent.

It is unclear whether protesters on Monday were part of the November sit-in.

Synagogue in Pennsylvania Evacuated Following Bomb Threat

The Shir Ami Synagogue in Newtown Township was evacuated Thursday afternoon after a bomb threat was made against the religious institution and school.

The emailed threat was received at 12:05 p.m. prompting the evacuation of the Richboro Road synagogue and an immediate response by law enforcement and first responders, according to the Newtown Township Police Department.

For the safety of the children, the synagogue evacuate children and staff from the building.

Police and ordinance canines, which were training locally, were called in to conduct the search which yielded negative results.

Investigators and the FBI are coordinating the investigation, which police said also occurred at other locations within the state.

13 Year Old Ohio Teen Charged After Alleged Plans to Shoot Up Synagogue

A 13-year-old boy in Ohio is facing criminal charges after allegedly crafting “a detailed plan” for a mass shooting at a synagogue in September, according to an incident report and court documents obtained by CNN.

The teen, whom authorities have not publicly identified, posted “a detailed plan to complete a mass shooting” at Temple Israel in Canton, the court documents state. The defendant posted the plan on the social media platform Discord, and when authorities notified public individuals and agencies and the school system, it caused “significant public alarm,” according to the documents.

He allegedly planned to “burn and shoot up” the place of worship, according to a September 7 incident report from the Stark County Sheriff’s Office. The report states an FBI agent requested the support of the sheriff’s office in making contact with the suspect “in regards to threats to burn and shoot up” the synagogue. The partially redacted report identified the suspect as a White male.

Authorities contacted the suspect and his mother at their home, the incident report said, and the FBI agent “went over his findings” with the teen, which “included plans and maps of the synagogue made possibly by the suspect and an unknown individual from Washington State sent through the app Discord.”

The 13-year-old is charged with misdemeanor counts of inducing panic and disorderly conduct in the September 1 incident, according to court documents. CNN has reached out to the teen’s attorney for comment.

Its unclear if any weapons were found when the teen was arrested or how serious the intentions were.

In a statement, Discord said it reported the user to the FBI.

“Discord’s Counter-Extremism analysts proactively detected, removed, and reported this user to the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center, which is what led to the user’s arrest,” John Redgrave, Discord’s vice president of trust and safety, said in a statement to CNN.

“We have a zero-tolerance policy against hate and violent extremism, and when we see it, we take immediate action. It is a top priority for Discord to ensure a safe experience for our users,” the statement said.

The sheriff’s department report claimed the teen suspect advised authorities “he was part of multiple anti-Semitic and political groups on Discord.”

The story was earlier reported by CNN affiliate WOIO and local outlet WKYC.

The Stark County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement Thursday its deputies responded to a Plain Township residence on September 7 in connection with a report about a 13-year-old boy “engaging in concerning conversations (on) a social media platform.”

The case is expected to go to trial in juvenile court on December 20, the statement said.

“We stand by a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to threats made against our community,” said Stark County Sheriff George Maier. “Every threat is investigated thoroughly with the seriousness it deserves.

“We work diligently to ensure that those responsible are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Protecting our community is a responsibility we bear with the highest level of commitment and vigilance,” the sheriff added.

The incident came more than a month before Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel and Israel’s ensuing war in Gaza, a conflict that has sparked a surge of antisemitic and other threats across the United States. With the war now in its third month, there has been an increase in reported incidents targeting Jews, Arabs and Muslims in the US.

More than 2,000 antisemitic incidents have been documented in the US in the two months after the conflict began October 7 – a 337% increase over the same period last year, the Anti-Defamation League said. And the Council on American-Islamic Relations reported an “unprecedented” spike in bias incidents in the month after the war began and has tallied more than 2,000 requests for help and reports of bias since, it said.

Of the alleged mass shooting plot in Ohio, the Anti-Defamation League in Cleveland was “horrified” and thanked law enforcement for “its thorough investigation,” the group said in a statement Wednesday.

“For young people like this suspect, we hope this can be a teachable moment,” the group said. “Hate and threats on social media, as in real life, cannot and will not be tolerated.”

Burglars Target Jewish Dorm Room at Brown University and Leave Antisemitic Threats

Two students active in the Brown University Jewish community reported an antisemitic note being left in their apartment following a break-in.

According to Providence Police, officers were called to an off-campus building on Lloyd Avenue at approximately 6 PM on Tuesday for a report of a crime.

There has been an Israeli flag flying outside of the building since students moved in this fall. 

The students told police that following a break-in at their apartment, they found an antisemitic note left in their residence.

Police say they have a copy of the note.

Detectives are currently investigating. 

Swastikas and Other Hate Symbols Discovered at Florida Park

Someone vandalized a playground area at a park in Largo with graffiti — some of which resembled crudely drawn swastikas, as well as other hate symbols.

The graffiti at Northeast Park appeared over the weekend of Dec. 9 and 10 at Northeast Park and Paw Place near East Bay Drive and Belcher Road.

In addition to the spray-painted graffiti on park’s playground equipment, there was a more obvious swastika symbol on the exterior of a small restroom building at the park — which includes a dog park and roller hockey rink. That graffiti had been partially covered. Another piece of graffiti roughly resembles a Celtic Cross — a symbol sometimes used by neo-Nazis. Another includes the letters ‘EU’.

Megan Santo, a Largo Police Department spokesperson, said the agency had not received any calls about the swastika and other neo-Nazi symbols at the park other than from the inquiry and images sent by The Gabber Newspaper. She said police have not received any other reports about vandalism or graffiti at other municipal parks.

Krista Pincince, director of Recreation, Parks and Arts for the City of Largo, said she forwarded pictures of the swastika and other graffiti provided by The Gabber Newspaper to city staff to have it removed.

There have been upticks of antisemitic and anti-Israel incidents across the country, including some involving vandalism and graffiti, since the Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks inside Israel and the ensuing war in Gaza.

More than 1,200 Israelis died in the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas and more than 18,000 Gazans have died in the ensuing war, according to authorities on either side of the Middle East conflict.

Student Discovers Swastika Drawn on Desk At Maryland High School

Just after the start of Hanukkah, a student found a drawing of a swastika on a desk at Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda, according to a letter to the community from Principal Intern Gregory Miller.

MCPS is investigating the incident, which occurred Friday, according to Miller.

Miller wrote that the swastika is a “hateful symbol of antisemitism” and is prohibited under MCPS policy on Nondiscrimination, Equity, and Cultural Proficiency.

“I recognize how hurtful this incident is to our Jewish community, especially as Thursday, December 7 marked the beginning of Hanukkah,” Miller wrote. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to creating spaces with students and teachers to actively combat antisemitism and hate in all its forms.”

Whitman has been no stranger to antisemitic incidents. In the past two years, the school has seen graffiti painted on the school sign that said, “Jews not welcome,” antisemitic comments made by students on the debate team and emailed to school staff, and hate symbols carved into wooden stools.

MCPS has also been grappling with antisemitism within the school system. Since the Oct. 7 attack, the district has been grappling with numerous antisemitic incidents such as graffiti found in a bathroom at Quince Orchard High School in Gaithersburg on Dec. 5 and, in October, at Thomas Pyle Middle School in Bethesda and Chevy Chase Elementary School. The district also faced criticism for statements it released on the war.

In addition, there have been at least three district educators have been placed on administrative leave after social media posts related to the Israel-Hamas war were deemed antisemitic. A fourth teacher, who is Muslim and Arab, was placed on leave in November for including a Palestinian rallying cry in her email signature. The Council for American-Islamic Relations filed a discrimination complaint against MCPS after the move on Friday.

After the student reported the incident, school officials notified county police and MCPS’ Office of School Support and Well-Being and filed appropriate reporting forms, Miller wrote.

County police did not immediately respond to inquiries about the incident and police response.

The student-run school newspaper at Whitman, The Black & White, first reported the incident on Wednesday. Whitman assistant principal Kristi McAleese said administrators would be working to raise awareness about antisemitic symbols at school, The Black & White reported.

“We are going to continue to work with our partners and our student unions to make the significance and intentions behind these symbols known,” McAleese told student journalists.

In the community letter, Miller explained that the school community has and will continue to work to address antisemitism at the school. He wrote that in August the Whitman school cluster partnered with the Jewish Community Relation Council of Greater Washington to provide staff with training on the experience of Jewish students, antisemitism and how it manifests in schools.

Parent leaders in the Whitman PTSA, Stressbusters and DEI committee are working to provide a series of sessions called the Community of Care, which are focused on building strong relationships across the school community, he wrote.

Representatives of the Whitman PTSA did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Wednesday afternoon.

Miller encouraged parents to talk with their children about being respectful, accepting and understanding of the differences of all people. “Please help them to understand the weight that intolerable symbols, words, and actions carry with them,” he wrote.

If the school identifies the student responsible for the drawing, they will face consequences in alignment with the MCPS Student Code of Conduct, Miller wrote. According to the Code of Conduct, the use or displaying of symbols that promote hate falls under all levels of disciplinary action, from detention and talks with a school counselor to in-school, short- and long-term suspension or expulsion.

Miller thanked the student who reported the incident to school staff and encouraged those with more information on the incident to contact the school’s main office at 240-740-4800.

Anti-Jewish Propaganda Distributed to Homes in Michigan Neighborhood

A Northern Michigan man made a shocking and disturbing discovery near his driveway, finding a small Ziploc bag full of literature he says doesn't belong anywhere.

Beulah resident David Main is thankful he found this before his kids did. But that's the only good thing about this entire situation. "So yesterday about 2:30, I went to check the mail, and I noticed a small package on the edge of my driveway,” David said. “I picked it up, opened it up and it was it was full of antisemitic flyers, kind of white supremacy type of propaganda."

Inside that small bag at the end of the driveway, antisemitic flyer after antisemitic flyer.

"It leans a lot into how all gun control is a Jewish conspiracy,” David said. But page after page of far worse.

"It adds fuel to the fire,” David said. “[We] should be going the opposite direction. [We] should be coming together and not going down these conspiracy rabbit holes."

He could have thrown it in the trash but decided instead to speak up and out.

"To notify the community and you know, see how widespread this was,” David said. “It seems like it was a canvassing act just trying to spread the word that's out there I guess."

He wants neighbors to be on the lookout.

SUNY Student Tears Down Israeli Flag from Administrator's Office

A student at the State University of New York (SUNY) Purchase entered an administrator’s office on Tuesday and tore down an Israeli flag that was hanging in the window, National Review has learned.

A video posted of the incident posted to Instagram shows a student walking into the office of Paul Nicholson, the head of Educational Opportunity and Merit Access programs at SUNY Purchase. “Oh, you here to see me?” Nicholson asks as the student enters. “Yeah, I am,” the undergrad, who is filming the encounter surreptitiously responds, before barging into Nicholson’s office and tearing down Israeli flag the administrator hung in the window.

“I’m gonna take these down,” the student says as Nicholson tries to intervene and remove him from the office. “What the f*** man? Free Palestine, bro,” the student responds as he’s pushed out of the office.

“It’s not worth it. Let it go. Chill. Chill,” a third man can be heard saying.

A SUNY Purchase spokesperson told NR that the student has been suspended and the incident was referred to local police.

“As we have been 100 percent clear, antisemitism has no place at SUNY and will not be tolerated,” the spokesperson said.

NR first learned of the altercation from a SUNY administrator who had the incident described to them by Nicholson.

“A student took issue with Nicholson having the Israeli flag, and they got into an altercation, and the student physically attacked him. The university police got involved, and, to the best of my knowledge, the student was arrested,” the administrator said.

Nicholson, an American Jew, is a SUNY alumnus who previously earned degrees at New Paltz and Oneonta, according to his school profile. He could not be reached for comment. According to the administrator, a personal acquaintance of Nicholson’s, Nicholson was instructed by campus police chief Dayton Tucker “to go home and try to shake it off.”

“I don’t think he was physically injured,” the administrator added. “I can only imagine that he is emotionally distraught.”

Apart from the physical altercation involving Nicholson, the administrator told National Review that the campus has been relatively quiet since the Hamas atrocities of October 7.

“There was a pro-Palestinian gathering, maybe three or four weeks ago, right outside my building. You know, a group of students chanting the usual ‘From the river to the sea’ kind of thing and wearing their colors.” The event lasted about an hour or two and ended uneventfully, though the administrator acknowledged having planned out an escape route in case the demonstration went sideways. “I was sort of at the ready to leave if I needed to. There’s a back door that I could scoot out, and I was prepared to go.”

The attack that occurred on Tuesday was unlike anything the veteran administrator has seen in many years at the college. “I cannot think of another time that this sort of thing happened, on a global level like this with an international conflict,” the administrator reflected. “I mean, maybe around 9/11, people actually did the opposite; they kind of came together.”

A statement published by a group on campus, Raise the Consciousness at Purchase, said the flag was emblazoned with the quote, “Stand with Israel,” and that local law enforcement was “investigating the incident as a possible ANTISEMITIC HATE CRIME, a vile accusation conflating the apartheid state of ‘Israel’ with Jewish people and minimizes the very real threat posed by ACTUAL ANTISEMITISM towards Jewish students.”

Two Students Fall Victim to Antisemitic Harassment at California Middle School

Two students at Egan Junior High School were the victims of antisemitic comments and gestures Dec. 1.

The name of the perpetrator, also an Egan student, and the details of the interaction were not disclosed publicly due to legally required privacy obligations for minor students, but Los Altos School District Superintendent Sandra McGonagle said the student was identified and that appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.

In an email to LASD families Dec. 4, McGonagle condemned antisemitism and other forms of hate on campus.

“We firmly believe in creating an inclusive and safe space for every student, regardless of their background, beliefs, or ethnicity,” she wrote. “Acts that promote hate or bias undermine the very foundation upon which our educational institution stands.”

LASD administrators will host workshops for students at Egan and Blach Intermediate School to teach them “how to confront bias, hate and discrimination to make campus feel more safe, equitable and inclusive.” The workshops have not yet been scheduled but are expected to take place in the first couple months of the new year. The workshops will likely take place through health classes as opposed to a larger assembly.

“We understand that incidents like these can be distressing for our community,” McGonagle wrote. “We want to assure you of our commitment to addressing this matter as transparently as possible, and taking the necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future.”

Two parents spoke at LASD’s Dec. 4 board meeting to commend the district’s handling of the situation, but they urged the district and the larger schools community to monitor what kids are being taught about the Israel-Palestine conflict in classrooms and online.

Michigan Republican Representative's Office Vandalized With Antisemitic Sign

An antisemitic sign was hung outside the office of an outspoken pro-Israel congressman from Michigan.

Michigan Republican Rep. Tim Walberg, a former Christian pastor, issued a news release on Monday saying an antisemitic sign had been posted on a tree outside his office window.

The sign depicted Uncle Sam removing his American stovepipe hat to reveal a kippah – or yarmulke – with a Star of David underneath reading "Jew u$ury buy$ USA pols" (sic).

"Our once great nation's downfall," the sign continues over a U.S. flag with the stars replaced by the Israeli flag. "Solution: name the Jew."

The antisemitic sign also included a link to a conspiracy website.

Walberg's spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the antisemitic sign was hung on a tree on the sidewalk in front of the office.

The congressman's staff was able to take pictures of the tree through their office window.

In a news release, Walberg said that antisemitism "continues to sweep across the world, and sadly, it is alive in Michigan."

"This crisis reflects a lack of morality and genuine education," Walberg said. "Nowhere was this more clear than last week, when some of the most prominent names in academia’s leadership displayed utter moral cowardice but also a broader systemic failure in higher education."

"One in five young Americans now think the Holocaust was a myth, and significantly more think it’s been exaggerated," he continued. "Unfortunately, in part due to a failure of truthful and honest education, this type of incident has become common."

"We need to make it rare again," the Michigan Republican added. "We need to not only call out this bigotry when it occurs but examine the root causes and eliminate it."

This is not the first time Walberg's office has been hit with anti-Israel vandalism.

Walberg's office revealed in October that his "I stand with Israel" sign was defaced, with the congressman declaring, "Antisemitism has run rampant across the country."

"This is yet another despicable act which should not be tolerated," the former pastor said in a press release.

"At a time like this, we must think of our Jewish community members, including those on my staff, who are enduring this targeted behavior and harassment following the largest attack on Jews since the Holocaust," he continued.

Walberg's office told Fox News Digital the sign had been put up earlier this week, and that the congressman had tweeted about standing with Israel after the country was attacked by the Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas, sparking a war.

The Michigan Republican's office said the congressman employs Jewish staff members and believes the vandalism is unacceptable.

College in California Under FBI Investigation for Antisemitism

Santa Monica College (SMC) has been added to a list of educational institutions under investigation by the federal government for civil rights violations.

SMC was one of six schools added to a list of investigations last week after an initial group of educational institutions were identified by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights as under investigation for alleged violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in November.

So far the list includes Harvard University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Lafayette College, Wellesley College, Tulane University, University of Tampa, University of Pennsylvania, University of Cincinnati, Montana State University, Union College and SMC. Several school districts are on the list including Cobb County School District, New York City Department of Education, Clark County School District, Hillsborough County Schools and Maize Unified School District.

According to the Dept. of Education, these investigations focus on shared ancestry violations, addressing discrimination and harassment, including antisemitism, anti-Muslim, and anti-Arab incidents, since the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023.

“Hate has no place in our schools, period. When students are targeted because they are — or are perceived to be — Jewish, Muslim, Arab, Sikh, or any other ethnicity or shared ancestry, schools must act to ensure safe and inclusive educational environments where everyone is free to learn,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “These investigations underscore how seriously the Biden-Harris Administration, including the U.S. Department of Education, takes our responsibility to protect students from hatred and discrimination.”

According to SMC Trustee Dr. Sion Roy, the local case stems from students excluding Students Supporting Israel (SSI) from campus activities.

SSI describes itself as “a rapidly growing Zionist international campus movement that supports the State of Israel.” While the local chapter of the organization had qualified as a fully functional club on campus, students at an October meeting of SMC’s Inter-Club Council’s (ICC) denied SSI status as an official club citing opposition to Israel’s treatment of Palestinians, in violation of federal law.

The SMC administration reversed that decision the next day.

“Based on legal advice received from Campus Counsel, there is no lawful basis to deny recognition to SSI as a student club,” said a statement released by the SMC Office of Student Life the day after the meeting. “SSI will be given recognized status and full club support at 66% funding determined by the Inter-Club Council Constitution until the club can be officially recognized at the next Inter-Club Council meeting.”

SMC said it was aware of the complaint and is responding to the concerns of students.

“On December 4, 2023, Santa Monica College received a letter from the Office of Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education asking us to respond to a complaint concerning the Associated Students’ Inter-Club Council meeting of October 19, 2023,” said Director of Public Information Grace A. Smith. “When students brought their concerns to the attention of College administrators, the College took prompt action on October 20, 2023 and shared publicly the steps it took to immediately redress a situation in which the Associated Students’ ICC failed to install Students Supporting Israel at SMC (SSI-SMC) as a club.

“This prompt action demonstrates the college’s commitment to a discrimination-free environment for all students and was acknowledged by SSI-SMC via a post on their official Instagram account that same day. The college stands against all forms of hate, including antisemitism. Most recently, on Nov. 7, 2023 the SMC Board of Trustees passed a resolution in support of United Against Hate week which acknowledged the increases in anti-Semitism amid other ongoing acts of hate and discrimination against marginalized groups throughout the nation.”

The club thanked the school for their action but said the incident shouldn’t have happened to start with.

“The SSI at SMC team would like to thank everyone of you for the support you have shown us,” the club wrote on social media. “It is through your support that the decision not to install the SSI club was rectified. As of now are installed as an official club, and thank Santa Monica College for their swift response to our concerns. Their cooperation and professionalism make us proud to be SMC students. However, let us not forget about the blatant antisemitism that caused such an issue to begin with. That is something that will not be tolerated. We love you all and with you all a Shabbat Shalom.”

In addition to overriding the student’s exclusion, SMC officials addressed the issue with the Club Council informing them of their obligations under the law.

“SMC’s office of student life had a prompt response in support of reinstating SSI as a recognized club and took steps to ensure an environment at ICC free from antisemitism or other forms of discrimination,” said Dr. Sion Roy, Santa Monica College Trustee on social media. “All discrimination is abhorrent and the increased acts of antisemitism across the world is unacceptable, especially on our campus. The college will continue to do everything it can to make sure that all students are heard and treated equally.”

Despite the school’s response, the club’s advisor, Darryl-Keith Ogata, escalated the incident to federal officials saying Jewish students had been made to feel unsafe.

“As their faculty advisor I am again disappointed that SMC is unable to provide a safe environment for students to learn and experience extracurricular activities. Discrimination of any kind is not acceptable. Antisemitism has no place in public institutions of higher learning like SMC,” he said in a letter to school officials following the incident.

Swastika Drawn in Bathroom Stall at Virginia High School

Authorities are investigating reports of unlawful filming and swastika graffiti in Prince William County high school bathrooms. The unlawful filming was reported at Hylton High School on Nov. 20, while the graffiti was discovered on Thursday at Forest Park High School.

One student, a 15-year-old boy, has been charged with unlawful filming. His court date is pending and he is being held at the Prince William County Juvenile Detention Center, authorities said.

No suspects have been identified in connection with the swastika graffiti.

The unlawful filming incident occurred on Nov. 20 at Hylton High School. Investigators said a 15-year-old boy took an inappropriate photo of another male student in a bathroom. The suspect later posted the inappropriate photo on social media.

Another student reported the photo to a teacher, which led the school resource officer to open an investigation. On Dec. 4, officers completed the investigation and charged the suspect.

On Thursday, security at Forest Park High School contacted the school resource officer to investigate vandalism in the bathroom.

"The investigation revealed swastikas and other graffiti were drawn on the wall of a bathroom stall inside the school," the police department said in a report. "The drawings did not appear to contain any threats to students, faculty, or staff."

School personnel removed the graffiti.

Anyone with more information about the vandalism can contact the Prince William County Police Department at 703-792-7000. Tips can also be submitted online.

North Carolina Holocaust Memorial Graffitied with Nazi Symbol

A swastika was found graffitied onto a Holocaust memorial in LeBauer Park in Greensboro, according to the Greensboro Jewish nonprofit group Women of the Shoah.

On Friday, the second night of Hanukkah, the swastika was graffitied onto a Star of David at the base of a monument titled “She Wouldn’t Take Off Her Boots.”

The monument has since been cleaned.

Greensboro police confirmed the vandalism. Extra security is now in place.

“The fact that antisemitism has reached our city is not new, but the desecration of a Holocaust monument in our central downtown park is beyond what most in the Jewish community here could have expected,” WoS said in a statement. “It is especially horrifying to those Holocaust survivors and their families here in town, and to all of us in the Jewish community and in the greater Greensboro community that seek to honor the memory of those who perished or endured the Shoah.”

The incident was reported to Greensboro Downtown Parks, which oversees security in the park. The parks department notified Greensboro police, who launched an investigation.

“We ask all of you in the Greensboro Jewish community to show solidarity with us in the coming weeks as we work to quash antisemitism in our own backyard,” Wos said. “Antisemitism in Greensboro can not and will not be tolerated or ignored.”

U.S. Rep. Kathy Manning (D-Greensboro), who was the first woman to serve as Board Chair of the Jewish Federations of North America from 2009 to 2012, responded on X, calling the vandalism “disgusting.”

“I’m horrified and saddened that the Holocaust memorial in Greensboro, “She Wouldn’t Take Off Her Boots,” was desecrated with a graffiti Swastika. This disgusting display of antisemitism has NO place in Greensboro.”

“My heart goes out to fellow Jews in our community, and to the Holocaust survivors & their family members, who were forced to face this abhorrent display of hate. I will continue to work tirelessly to put a stop to this rising scourge of antisemitism.”

The seven-foot-tall bronze monument was designed by artist Victoria Milstein and unveiled on April 18, 2023. The title, “She Wouldn’t Take Off Her Boots,” was inspired by a photograph taken by Nazi soldiers. It shows four women and a girl defiantly staring into the camera moments before they were stripped naked, shot and dumped into a mass grave. Milstein’s monument is the first and only Holocaust memorial dedicated to women.

New York High School Library Defaced with Antisemitic Graffiti

More antisemitic graffiti has been found within the Smithtown School District.

In a letter to parents, the district superintendent says a swastika was found on a stool inside the library at Smithtown High School West.

The letter said Suffolk police were notified and are investigating. Charges could be filed against the student responsible.

The superintendent is now calling on parents to stop their children from spreading hate, saying “Once again, we must all reflect on the role we play in teaching our children and each other not to hate and we implore you to be partners with us in this work.” 

As News 12 has reported, a swastika was also found etched onto a desk at Smithtown High School East last month.  

The superintendent says there is zero tolerance for hate.   

Hawaiian Freeway Defaced with Swastikas

Bomb threats targeting synagogues and symbols of hate along Hawaii’s busiest roadway — the messages appear to be connected to a war 9,000 miles away.

Swastikas spray painted on H-1 Freeway road signs alongside Stars of David appeared in recent days, commuters say, and can be seen for about 10 miles heading into town.

“We think of Hawaii as the land of aloha, but seeing that kind of thing, it’s kind of an eye-opener for the rest of the things happening outside in the world,” said one Oahu resident.

State Transportation Director Ed Sniffen was also taken aback by the display.

His crews are now racing to clean up the symbols.

“I’ve been with the department since 2006 and I’ve never seen antisemitic or hate graffiti like this in the time that I’ve been here,” Hawaii DOT director Ed Sniffen said.

Whoever spray painted the signs is comparing the symbol of the Nazis, who killed 6 million Jewish people, to the Star of David, representing the Jewish faith and the state of Israel.

Hateful acts have been on the rise since the war broke out between Israel and Hamas.

The FBI is also investigating multiple bomb threats to Jewish temples in Hawaii.

“Very surprised. Still very surprised,” said Rabbi Itchel Krasnjansky of Chabad Hawaii, of the threat.
“We’ve been here since 1987 … and never experienced any antisemitism. Land of Aloha.”

Krasnjansky is holding a public menorah lighting on Tuesday evening in Waikiki. “Evil sometimes rears its head, and the stronger it comes out, it’s almost like a sign it’s on its last legs,” he said.

Psychiatric nurse practitioner Bradley Kuo says parents should be ready with thoughtful answers if children see the symbols on the roads.

“I think it’s worth the time and effort to address these issues head-on with our kids because our kids are going to ask those questions. They are going to be curious, and if parents say we are not going to talk about it … that might drive up the curiosity more,” Bradley Kuo said.

HPD reports no arrests so far, but encourages people to report any graffiti sightings.

In the meantime, The DOT says whoever is responsible could face fines and cleanup costs.

“Defacing the system like this damaging public property and potentially affecting people’s safety as you go on the system, absolutely unacceptable, and really not who we are,” Sniffen said.

NYPD Searching for Man Who Violently Assaulted an Orthodox Jew

The NYPD is searching for a hateful attacker who snarled “Free Palestine!” while chucking a rock at a Jewish man in Brooklyn late last month. 

The victim – a 47-year-old dad of six – was leaving his real estate job around 6:30 p.m. Nov. 22 and heading to his car when cops say he was targeted by the bike-riding suspect on Montrose Avenue near South 5th Street in Williamsburg.

“I felt something hit me,” the victim, who asked to be identified using his first name, Shloimy, recalled to The Post about the moment the creep hurled the rock at him — an attack captured in surveillance footage released by the NYPD Monday.

“I turned around in the direction of where I came from,” Shloimy, a lifelong Brooklynite, said in an interview Tuesday. “There was someone sitting there on his bike and he just yelled at me and said ‘Free Palestine!’ like a bark.”

Shloimy said he tried to chase the attacker, who pedaled away on the bike, heading west toward Broadway, according to cops.

“I’m Orthodox Jewish, and I see when someone chants that and throws a rock at me it’s an antisemitic hate assault in this beautiful free country we are living,” recalled the victim, who police said was wearing “traditional religious attire” at the time of the unprovoked attack.

“He definitely targeted me,” Shloimy said of his attacker. “In fact, there were other people standing in the vicinity. They were not Jews and he wasn’t doing anything to them.”

The NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force was investigating, and so far, no arrests have been made, authorities said. 

The rock-flinging bigot is believed to be about 25 years old and 5 feet, 10 inches tall, cops said.

He was last seen wearing a gray jacket, blue sweatpants, a blue hoodie, and white sneakers.

Last month, 62 hate crimes targeting Jewish victims were reported citywide — up from 45 such offenses reported in November 2022.

The city has seen a surge in antisemitic crimes since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war in early October, according to NYPD data.

“It’s just scary what’s happening,” Shloimy said, adding the rise in such crimes had left him feeling “very unsafe.”

“Someone minding his business and walking in the street in Brooklyn has no connection to anything happening elsewhere unless it’s a violent attacker and he just wants to attack,” he added.

His home borough “doesn’t feel like it used to be,” he said, adding that people in his community are scared.

“People are saying it’s unbelievable and how it’s gotten to this point and the streets are unsafe,” he said. “It shows you that this is a big, big problem.”

Eighteen Oregon School Districts and Synagogues Targeted by Bomb Threats

Colton School District was apparently part of a wide-ranging bomb hoax that incorporated Oregon synagogues and schools Monday morning.

The FBI is investigating the string of threats that were delivered via email Dec. 11, but indicated there’s nothing to suggest the threats were legitimate, with no evidence of bombs planted on any campus.

Colton School District sent a message to parents just after noon on Dec. 11 informing them that their students would be released early from school, and that all activities in the afternoon and evening would be cancelled.

They were not alone as Arlington, Bandon, Corbett, Central Linn, and Cascade school districts were also the recipient of emails that threatened violence on the campus. The email claimed that explosive devices were planted somewhere on the campus. No evidence of anything dangerous was reported found anywhere.

“During the recent incident we had local Clackamas County Sheriff’s deputies here in a short period of time. We had another deputy onsite within five minutes and our security consultant was here within 15 minutes,” Colton School District Superintendent Dave Kline said during the Dec. 11 board meeting. “With interaction from our principals and secretaries we had a great plan in place to keep students safe and to have them ready to be picked up by their parents or their registered emergency contact. Our bus drivers were ready to transport students to their homes or to the homes of their emergency contact as needed. Jody Ogden (dispatcher for Colton bus transportation) called in the bus drivers who were on their free time.”

Two Portland synagogues, Neveh Shalom and Beth Israel, were similarly alerted to possible dangers.

At Colton, parents were asked not to tie up phone lines by calling the school and that the emergency plan that had been filled out during registration would be followed.

“CCSO said to keep communication narrow and focused until the investigation is complete,” Kline said “There is information they want to protect during the active investigation process. This incident was not just targeted toward our district.”

Florida Menorah Sand Sculpture Destroyed and Defaced with Swastika

A giant sand-sculpted menorah by the Juno Beach Pier has been destroyed and defaced with a swastika, according to Rabbi Leib Ezagui with the Jewish Community Synagogue.

A beachgoer took a photo of the vandalism Tuesday morning and called police. She said it made her sick to her stomach.

Ezagui released the following statement:

"Today, our beautiful menorah was destroyed. While I am thankful for the 5 days it lasted and the thousands of people who enjoyed its art, love and message, I am sad, angry and not sure how to gather my thoughts that once again hate had its way in Palm Beach County. Our dream of hope and peace was shattered once again! The Menorah is our symbol of hope and resilience. Mr. hate: your actions may have targeted this symbol, but the resilience of the menorah and the Jewish community will shine brighter. We'll rebuild, and next year, another sandcastle menorah will stand tall."

The sand-sculpted menorah was built last week and the lighting took place Thursday on the first night of Hanukkah. More than 600 people attended the lighting.

Now it is a pile of sand.

The community is invited to the menorah site site Wednesday evening. Residents are asked to bring their menorahs for a community lighting.

"Bring your menorah, and let's all light together," Ezagui said. "We will blind this dumb coward's actions with our unity and good deeds."

Ike Jacobson, a board member with the synagogue, got a call about the act Tuesday morning.

"It’s really sad. ... I'm not surprised but there was a part of me that was expecting it because of what’s going on," he told WPTV reporter Joel Lopez.

Jacobson said hate against Jews isn't new but it has increased since the start of the war between Israle and Hamas in October.

"No matter what you do we’re here," he said. "We're are not going anywhere and we are going to come back stronger and more important."

Christina Marsh is upset what happened to the menorah.

"Especially with everything going on overseas it is very special," she told Lopez. "To come to our beach and see something so beautiful and have it destroyed is just heartbreaking. Heartbreaking with everything happening in the world."