Desecration Of Holocaust Memorial Still Under Investigation

WHITE PLAINS, NY — Anti-Semitic vandalism found Tuesday at Holocaust memorial in White Plains — on the eve of Yom Kippur — remains under investigation by county police detectives. A county police spokesman said no photographs or videos are being released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.

In the aftermath of the incident at the Garden of Remembrance, an interfaith prayer vigil will take place at noon Thursday, according to a county spokeswoman.

Governor Andrew Cuomo said he was disgusted by the desecration of the Holocaust memorial.

"More than 74 years ago the entire world reeled in shock, horror and sorrow over the senseless murder of more than 6 million Jews — mothers, fathers, children, grandparents, uncles, aunts, friends and neighbors," he said in a statement Wednesday.

"Vandalizing a memorial lovingly built in their honor is a revolting and cowardly act, and I have directed the State Police Hate Crimes Task Force to offer assistance to local authorities investigating this heinous act to ensure those responsible are held accountable," Cuomo said.

"On this day of atonement, I join with New York's Jewish community in remembrance of the lives lost, and I pray for love, peace and understanding," he said. "Hate has no place in this state."

State Senator David Carlucci, a Democrat from Rockland County, said he was saddened to hear of the act of hate toward the Jewish community, especially just before one of the holiest of days.

"We must pass legislation to make anti-Semitic graffiti a hate crime so perpetrators are charged with a felony and not a misdemeanor," he said. "Hate cannot be tolerated."

The Garden of Remembrance is located at the Michaelian Office Building, 148 Martine Avenue in White Plains.

According to the the Westchester County parks website, the memorial was created by the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center, and was designed to honor the memories of the millions of men, women and children who died in the Holocaust.

Find and “Like” Hudson Valley Patches' Facebook Pages.