Recent days have seen a disturbing rise in antisemitic acts in the Town of Hempstead, New York, with swastikas discovered near the Town of Hempstead's 9/11 memorial in Point Lookout and at Rath Park in Franklin Square. Officials, including Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly, Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray, and Nassau Legis. John Ferretti Jr. (R-Levittown), convened at the 9/11 memorial to publicly condemn the hateful graffiti, which marks the latest in a series of such incidents reported in the area over recent months.

The offensive symbols were first found on Monday night at Rath Park, located on the wall of a Little League dugout, accompanied by other offensive language. The following night, Tuesday, two swastikas were discovered painted on the wall of a bathroom stall at the Point Lookout 9/11 memorial. These symbols of hate were promptly painted over shortly after the officials concluded their remarks, emphasizing the community's swift rejection of such bigotry.

The discovery of these swastikas comes amidst a documented national increase in antisemitic incidents. A report released in April by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) highlighted that New York State recorded the highest number of reported antisemitic incidents across the country in 2024. This trend has been visible locally, with previous incidents including a Queens man making antisemitic remarks and nearly hitting a father and his children outside a synagogue in Cedarhurst in October, leading to a 60-day jail sentence on an aggravated harassment charge. Additionally, in April, swastikas were found drawn on a Rath Park building and on a children's toy in Coes Neck Park in Baldwin, both within the Town of Hempstead.

Brian Devine, communications director for the Town of Hempstead, underscored the significance of these events, noting the town's substantial Jewish population. In response to growing concerns, the town established a task force last year dedicated to educating the public about antisemitism and fostering understanding. District Attorney Donnelly confirmed that investigations into this week's incidents are currently ongoing, as authorities work to identify those responsible for these acts of hatred that challenge the community's values.