Swastikas and Anti-Israel Slurs Vandalize Jewish School Buses in Brooklyn
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Four Jewish school buses in Brooklyn, New York, were vandalized with swastikas and antisemitic graffiti, including anti-Israel slogans. The NYPD's Hate Crimes Unit is investigating, with no arrests made yet. New York officials, including the State Attorney General and a City Council Member, condemned the act. The incident highlights a significant rise in anti-Jewish hate crimes in the city, which constituted over half of all reported hate crimes in the first nine months of 2026.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Four Jewish school buses in Brooklyn were vandalized with swastikas and antisemitic graffiti.
- The NYPD's Hate Crimes Unit is investigating the incident, with no suspects arrested.
- Graffiti included "F--- Israel" and "Free Palestine" slogans alongside swastikas.
- New York officials condemned the vandalism and called for public assistance.
- Anti-Jewish hate crimes in New York City rose significantly in 2026.
- Jews represent about 10% of New York City's population but over 50% of hate crime victims.
Four yellow school buses used to transport students to Jewish educational institutions in Brooklyn, New York, were vandalized with swastikas and antisemitic graffiti on Monday morning. The New York Police Department's Hate Crimes Unit has launched an investigation into the incident, but no suspects have been arrested as of Tuesday.
Images from the scene showed the buses, some bearing Hebrew names of Jewish schools, covered in hateful symbols and slogans. Among the graffiti were the phrases "F--- Israel" and "Free Palestine," alongside swastikas.
New York State Attorney General Letitia James condemned the vandalism, calling it "abhorrent" and urging the public to provide any information that could help identify those responsible. New York City Council Member Lincoln Restler, who represents the area where the incident occurred, also denounced the act, describing the graffiti as "shocking and particularly vile." He stated he is working with law enforcement to "apprehend the perpetrators" and called for an end to the decade-long rise in antisemitic incidents.
The vandalism adds to a series of antisemitic events in New York, where Jewish people continue to be a primary target for hate crimes. According to NYPD data released last month, from January to September 2026, there were 463 confirmed hate crimes in the city, with 245, or approximately 53%, directed against Jews. This marks an increase from the 242 anti-Jewish hate crimes recorded during the same period in 2025, despite Jewish people making up only about 10% of the city's population.
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