Multiple swastikas were found spray-painted on signs Wednesday morning at Shadmoor State Park in Montauk by a New York State Parks employee doing routine maintenance.
While the vandalism was found at 9 a.m., Tony Astacio, a major with the New York State Parks Police, said investigators believe it took place overnight.
"One of the swastikas was on the entrance sign and was rather large," he said. "Four or five other signs, including an interpretive sign within the park, were tagged also."
In a statement, Gov. Kathy Hochul called the hate crime discovered at Shadmoor "abhorrent and deeply disturbing."
"Acts of antisemitism and hate are unacceptable in any form and will never be tolerated in New York State," she said. "I have directed the state police to work closely with local authorities to fully investigate this incident and hold those responsible accountable."
Rabbi Josh Franklin and Rabbi Cantor Debra Stein of the Jewish Center of the Hamptons rallied against the incident on Thursday afternoon in Montauk. "This appalling act of hate and vandalism is a stark reminder of the importance of our sacred mission at the Jewish Center: to be a safe haven for the Jewish people and a cultural and spiritual beacon of Judaism, especially in times when the world feels unsteady," they wrote in an email to their congregation.
“There are a lot of emotions that I'm feeling right now — anger, sadness, but shock is not one of them,” Mr. Franklin said by phone Thursday evening. “We have been experiencing antisemitism since October 7th in very profound and vehement ways across college campuses, social media, and in person.”
One of the graffitied swastikas had the phrase “Der Juden,” German for “The Jews,” written under it. “It’s the symbol of and ultimate expression of hatred,” Mr. Franklin said, adding that this incident “was a targeted insult and attack against the Jewish people.”
Mr. Astacio said Thursday afternoon there are no leads yet. "The park employee contacted us immediately, per our protocol, and our bureau of criminal investigations responded to the scene," he said. "They took pictures for evidence and then the Parks Department removed the damaged signs and will be replacing them."
Shadmoor was the only local park where such vandalism was found today.
In October 2023, similar symbols were spray-painted at several sites in downtown Montauk. Only weeks later, in November 2023, it happened again. A suspect was arrested in connection with that incident, but has not been formally convicted of a crime.
"I won't say it's common, but from time to time it happens," Mr. Astacio said. "I've increased patrols in the area for the next week. We'll see if we can thwart this from happening again anytime soon." He added that the Parks Department was beginning to place cameras at the entrances to state parks. "It's a major undertaking, but it just hasn't gotten that far east yet."
"These hateful actions are an attack on the values of inclusion and respect that define us as New Yorkers," Governor Hochul's statement continued. "As we continue to confront the rise of antisemitism and hate across the country, let this serve as a reminder that we must remain vigilant and united against these vile acts."
“It’s also important to note that Hanukkah is around the corner,” Mr. Franklin said. “It is not lost on us that there are parallels of a festival of lights in a time of darkness,” he said, alluding to all the places around the world that feel overcome by such darkness.
This is a developing story that will be updated as more information becomes available.