Brooklyn, NY – Residents of Ocean Parkway between Avenues I and J woke up this morning to discover that three cars were burned by arsonists. A fourth car had fire damage, and a fifth was scrawled in hateful graffiti. Nearby, there was more vandalism depicting swastikas and the letters “KKK.” The 66th NYPD Police Precinct is investigating along with the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force. Councilman Greenfield spoke with Inspector John Sprague earlier this morning, who assured the Councilman that every resource was being utilized to catch those responsible for this anti-Semitic attack.

Councilman David Greenfield offered a $1000 reward this morning for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the shocking incident of anti-Semitic arson on Ocean Parkway this morning.

“We will not accept anti-Semitism in our community. There is zero tolerance for such acts of hatred and ignorance,” said Councilman Greenfield. “I’m confident that these hateful people will be caught and punished to the full extent of the law.”

NY Assemblyman Dov Hikind who lives a few blocks from the incident, told VIN News from the scene, “This incident is beyond anything of similar Anti-semetic graffiti I have seen”, “this is an upgrade to a crime where you have vehicles burned”..

Hikind appealed to the public to come forward if they saw anything “This area is a major route where many pedestrians and cars pass-by, someone had to see something” Hikind said.

Councilman Greenfield and Assemblyman Hikind are encouraging residents with information that could lead to an arrest to call the NYPD tips line at 1 (800) 577-TIPS.

STATEMENT BY PUBLIC ADVOCATE BILL DE BLASIO ON ANTI-SEMITIC ARSON AND VANDALISM IN MIDWOOD

“The burning of cars and vandalism of benches in Midwood this morning represents a truly hateful act of prejudice. That it took place on the anniversary of Kristallnacht leaves no doubt that this attack is a hate crime in every sense, and I applaud the NYPD for investigating it as such. I stand with the Jewish community in condemning this anti-Semitic act, and urge anyone with information regarding the perpetrators to immediately call CrimeStoppers at 800-577-TIPS.”

Statement by Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer

I condemn this morning’s burning of cars and vandalism of benches in Midwood as a hate crime of the first order, an act that has no place in our society or any other. This despicable action was clearly taken to coincide with the anniversary of Kristallnacht, and its anti-Semitic message is unmistakable. But it was not just an act of violence against the Jewish community; it was an assault on human decency. I call on all New Yorkers to join with me in denouncing such hateful behavior, and urge anyone who has knowledge of the perpetrators to contact the New York Police Department immediately.

Congressman Turner released the following statement condemning the recent acts of hate that took place last night in Brooklyn, New York.

“I have been a member of this community my entire life and know that it is one of tolerance and understanding; A community that prides itself on its rich Jewish history and interfaith cooperation. New York is a tremendous melting pot of people of all races and faiths and we are proud of that tradition. It is difficult to believe that there are still people out there who wish to spread a message of ignorance and hatred.

“These anti-Semitic acts of vandalism and arson are appalling and unacceptable. We cannot allow acts like this to take place in our communities. The individuals who did this should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

BP MARKOWITZ STATEMENT ON VANDALISM, HATE MESSAGES IN MIDWOOD

“The heinous crimes committed in Midwood are the one of the worst examples of acts of hate because they involve the indiscriminate destruction of personal propery and messages so vile that they disparage more than one group of residents in our diverse borough. Everyday Brooklynites and New Yorkers live in peace and in celebration of the diversity which defines our lives and values, and these incidents do nothing but seek to divide and demean. The message to others who commit such deplorable acts of bigotry must be that we have zero tolerance for such actions and that they will be prosecuted to the maximum allowable punishment under the law.”

New York City Comptroller John C. Liu issued the following statement regarding the anti-Semitic vandalism that occurred in Midwood:

“The acts of hatred that occurred in Midwood are reprehensible. Just last week, communities in Queens were defaced with swastikas in another act of bigotry, and today the Jewish community is confronted with signs that ignorance and intolerance have not fully disappeared from our society. The NYPD should be commended for moving swiftly to categorize this as a hate crime and anyone who has information on who committed these heinous acts should contact the authorities immediately.”