BY MICHAEL OLOHAN
OF NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS
HAWORTH, N.J.—The borough’s police chief said the investigations of recent anti-Semitic incidents—specifically a swastika drawn on a local street in shaving cream—was a “wildly inappropriate attempt to elicit a reaction on Mischief Night”—and was met with discipline and the juveniles responsible will be making restitution for the vandalism.
“The juvenile parties that were involved have been met with discipline, are in the process of making restitution, and more importantly, receiving education to better understand the gravity of their actions. I am confident that those involved are back on a path to maturing to the kind of young of adults we expect and that Haworth deserves.,” said Police Chief Michael P. Gracey, in a letter to the Haworth Mayor and Council.
Anti-Semitic graffiti—including a swastika scrawled in shaving cream—appeared on a Haworth street in several places Oct. 30, 2018, and provoked outrage and reflection from local community leaders and an ongoing police investigation.
The incident occurred on Myrtle Street and was reported to police Oct. 31 by a resident walking a dog. In response to the graffiti, both the mayor and school superintendent disseminated emails to residents and parents.
Haworth DPW employees found additional swastikas drawn in shaving cream on Myrtle Street underneath leaves that obscured them, and reported them to police.
“It is imperative that those who wish to harass, instill fear, and target a specific group of people learn that it will not be tolerated and be met with substantial, meaningful consequence,” said Gracey.
“I would like to thank the governing body and the residents of Haworth for their patience while our investigation transpired. Unfortunately, this area of police work often takes time to reach its conclusion, especially an investigation of this kind. The Haworth Police Department will not tolerate bias incidents in any fashion and will use every resource available to bring those to justice who engage in this despicable type of behavior,” said Gracey.
The anti-Semitic graffiti incident followed a deadly weekend attack Oct. 27, 2018, at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh where 11 worshipers were killed and six injured in what the Anti-Defamation League described as the deadliest attack against the Jewish community in U.S. history.