Multiple Swastikas Discovered at Clarkstown South High School in Rockland County

By Hamodia Staff

At least three swastikas were discovered on the grounds of Clarkstown South High School in Rockland County, including two in the vicinity of the room used by the Jewish Cultural Club and one in the school gym, Lohud reported on Friday.

Clarkstown Police described it as a hate crime and criminal mischief, and noted that in 2020 the classroom had also been marked with a swastika, although police doubt that the same person is responsible for the recent graffiti.

The police reported there is a lack of cameras in the classroom and the hallway surveillance cameras did not provide any valuable clues as to who drew the swastikas. In addition, they are missing a legitimate time frame for the graffiti.

In a letter to parents in response to the incident, Clarkstown Central School District Superintendent Marc P. Baiocco wrote, “In the Clarkstown Central School District, it is our job to educate students about the impact words, symbols, and actions may have on others. In some cases, hateful gestures like these may constitute a crime, and to the extent possible, Clarkstown Police are included.”

“We encourage parents and guardians to have a conversation with their children so that our students learn to recognize hate and discrimination for what it is,” the letter read.

School officials spoke with the classes and assured them that the administration is committed to providing a safe learning environment.

Students were reminded to say something to a staff member or submit an anonymous report if they witness intolerance.

In condemning the incident, Rockland County Executive Ed Day released a statement which said, “”I am appalled and angered by this abhorrent vandalism once again surfacing in our beautiful County. Words matter and hateful language such as this is an insult to the people of Rockland. Any act of hate is an insult to our entire County and will not be tolerated and I am confident school officials will get to the bottom of whoever is responsible.”

Rockland Legislature Vice Chair Aney Paul, D-Clarkstown, said she had just met on Thursday night with 50 people to discuss community safety and hate crimes, and to a clear message that this sort of behavior is not acceptable.

Also at the gathering, an attendee reported that two Orthodox Jews were shopping at a grocery store when a woman made an angry gesture. They asked if anything was wrong and it was reported that this woman told them they didn’t belong there, they belonged in Monsey.

“I am angered and disappointed to learn that one or more people have taken it upon themselves to spread not only hate but fear in one of the places where all youth should feel safe, their school,” Paul wrote in a statement.

“We are better than this and thankfully, these kinds of incidents are few in Rockland County. While demoralizing, I am hopeful the culprit or culprits will be identified.”

Paul expressed the belief that the only way to eliminate this behavior is through education.