State To Investigate Anti-Semitic Graffiti At LI Home, Hofstra

NASSAU COUNTY, NY — Anti-Semitic vandalism in the driveway of a Merrick home and at Hofstra University will be investigated by the state, Gov. Andrew Cuomo Announced.

A swastika was found carved into fresh cement in the driveway of a Merrick home Thursday morning. In addition, Hofstra President Stuart Rabinowitz said that the university was investigating two instances of anti-Semitic graffiti in one of the school's residence homes.

"We condemn discrimination, bias and prejudice in all its forms, and reaffirm our commitment to hold accountable any member of our community who fails to live up to Hofstra’s core values of diversity and inclusion," Rabinowitz said in a letter to the Hofstra community. "There is no place for anti-Semitism or any other form of discrimination at Hofstra University. Now more than ever, we must stand together against intolerance, bigotry and hate."

The graffiti at Hofstra was found carved into the walls of an elevator at one of the school's residence halls. The first was discovered on Sept. 14, and the second was found the weekend of Oct. 3-4.

In response, Cuomo announced that he was directing the state's Hate Crime Task Force to assist the police investigate both instances.

"I am appalled and disgusted to learn of these heinous acts of hate in Merrick and at Hofstra University," Cuomo said. "The Jewish community is part of the New York family, and our state has zero tolerance for anti-Semitism. I want to assure the homeowner whose property was damaged and the Hofstra community that we will do everything in our power to bring the perpetrators to justice, which is why I am directing our Hate Crimes Task Force to assist the police in their investigations into these incidents. Now more than ever — in the midst of the worst public health crisis in a century — we need to be united and show support for one another, and remember that love always conquers hate."