Swastika Graffiti Targets Queens Jewish Sites

At 1:16 a.m. on May 4 2026, swastikas and the phrase “Heil Hitler” were spray-painted on at least five locations in Queens, including the Congregation Machane Chodosh synagogue, the Rego Park Jewish Center, a residential home, a garage door, and a Kristallnacht memorial plaque. NYPD classified the acts as hate crimes and opened an investigation.

Jewish News Syndicate

Police data show antisemitic incidents in NYC rose 182 percent between Jan 2025 and Jan 2026. A Jewish Majority poll found 82 percent of Jewish voters—two-thirds of whom support Mayor Mamdani—are concerned about the surge. Tens of thousands of Jews live in the Forest Hills and Rego Park neighborhoods.

The Straits Times

At 1:16 a.m., swastikas appeared on the Rego Park Jewish Center wall. Minutes later, surveillance captured four hooded teens spray-painting Congregation Machane Chodosh and a Holocaust-memorial plaque. NYPD launched a hate-crime probe and began collecting forensic evidence.

The Guardian

Mayor Zohran Mamdani led response; Council Speaker Julie Menin coordinated site visits. Religious leaders Rabbi Yossi Mendelson (Machane Chodosh) and Rabbi Romiel Daniel (Rego Park) joined. Mark Treyger of the Jewish Community Relations Council and Assemblymember Sam Berger also spoke.

New York Post

Mayor Mamdani called graffiti an antisemitic act meant to instill fear and pledged Force would pursue perpetrators. Speaker Menin pledged removal, protection of Jewish community. Gov. Hochul pledged support. Mayor’s spokeswoman claimed synagogues violate international law during pro-Israel events, a claim not echoed by others.

Jewish News Syndicate

Rabbi Yossi Mendelson said “we’ll live on,” while Rabbi Romiel Daniel warned parents feel “a bit afraid.” Tal Ronen called it “completely horrific.” Treyger called the acts “not normal” and urged action.

New York Post

Critics accuse Mayor Mamdani of fueling antisemitism through his politics and of vetoing a buffer-zone bill intended to protect houses of worship. His spokeswoman’s claim that synagogues violate international law has been denounced as unfounded by community leaders.

AM New York

Police have not confirmed whether the May 4 vandals are the same teenagers arrested in January for a playground graffiti spree. Sources differ on the number of suspects—some cite “at least four,” others note unidentified individuals captured on surveillance. The mayor’s spokeswoman’s legal claim lacks corroborating evidence.

AM New York

• “I am horrified and angered by the swastikas painted on homes and a synagogue in Forest Hills, including on a plaque honoring survivors of Kristallnacht.” — Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City

AM New York

• “When rabbis and congregants arrived to pray this morning, they expected to be met with their usual loving community. When a family woke up, they were prepared to begin an otherwise normal week. Instead, they were met with terrifying signals of hatred and threats of violence.” — Julie Menin, Speaker of the New York City Council

The Guardian

• “I think it’ll have the opposite effect. The community feels called to action by this.” — Yossi Mendelson, Rabbi of Congregation Machane Chodosh

The Guardian

• “It’s going to leave the parents a little bit afraid. If something like this could happen at 1:15 in the morning, it could happen anytime, and we don’t want that happening,” — Romiel Daniel, Rabbi of Rego Park Jewish Center

AM New York

• “This is not normal, and we need city leaders to act now.” — Mark Treyger, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York

Jewish News Syndicate

NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force continues to search for at least four suspects, while city officials consider additional security measures and revisit buffer-zone legislation to protect houses of worship.

AM New York