NEW ROCHELLE, NY (January 25, 2024) — The New Rochelle Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office are investigating reports of antisemitic graffiti found on storefronts at the Golden Horseshoe shopping center in New Rochelle this morning.
In a joint statement, New Rochelle Police Commissioner Robert Gazzola and Westchester County District Attorney Mimi Rocah said:
“We understand the unsettling atmosphere of fear across all impacted communities and the safety of our residents and businesses remains a top priority for law enforcement. We have zero tolerance for hatred and bias in Westchester and we will use the full force of the law to hold perpetrators accountable and keep our communities safe.”
City of New Rochelle released the following statement:
We are deeply saddened and disturbed by the recent acts of antisemitism targeting two of our city’s storefronts. New Rochelle is built on the values of diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect. Hate crimes like the vandalization of Cheryl’s Closet and Scoop Shop have no place in our community and we vehemently condemn this behavior. We stand by our Jewish citizens and will not tolerate these types of attacks. The City of New Rochelle and its police department are working in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, including the Westchester County District Attorney, and the Scarsdale Police Department. Our commitment to supporting their efforts in investigating this incident remains steadfast. Property security inspections for local business and synagogues have been conducted and are underway. We plan to monitor the situation closely and inform all residents of any updates.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer released the following statement:
Such hatred as expressed in this act cannot be tolerated in Westchester County. We will work with law enforcement to address this manifestation of hate.
State Senator Shelley Mayer released the following statement:
I am deeply disturbed by the overt acts of antisemitism and vandalism at the Golden Horseshoe. It’s absolutely unacceptable and I am hopeful law enforcement quickly apprehends those responsible and they are held accountable. This act is not reflective of the community we call home. But we will not be silent when these acts occur. These acts clearly targeted our large and vibrant Jewish communities in New Rochelle and Scarsdale. I stand fully united with them and we will
not be intimidated by acts of violence such as these.
Assemblywoman Amy Paulin released the following statement:
This morning, antisemitic graffiti was found on the storefronts of two Jewish-owned businesses in the Golden Horseshoe Shopping Center in New Rochelle. This hateful act of antisemitism is reprehensible and will not be tolerated.
Our community is still reeling from the Oct. 7 terrorist attack, and still suffering from the knowledge that more than 100 hostages are still being held captive. That struggle has been compounded by an incessant rise in antisemitism everywhere, in our institutions of higher learning, at children’s sport games, and at what we see today, acts of vandalism.
Make no mistake – antisemitic acts such as these are a threat to Jews everywhere. If history is any kind of guide, this will not end here. The Nazis did not stop with the Jews, they also persecuted persons with disabilities, those they considered racially different from themselves, homosexuals, Jehovah Witnesses, and many others. Racists know no boundaries. In short, they seek to destroy the diversity that makes communities like ours great.
That being said, we cannot be intimidated by this hateful vandalism. We must all stand up against it, and make sure that these acts never become normalized. Antipathy is also our enemy. This must be a call for everyone to support each other and stand against all acts of antisemitism and all acts of hate.
I’m calling for an immediate and active investigation including a thorough review of the video in the area. We cannot, and I will never, ever, waiver on standing up to antisemitic acts in our community.
Congressman Jamaal Bowman released the following statement:
This morning, my team and I received reports of graffiti at the Golden Horseshoe shopping center in Scarsdale on a Jewish-owned store and we will continue to monitor the situation. While we await more information, we have sent a team member to the store to look at the area. Let me be clear: I strongly condemn antisemitic actions that target Jewish Americans because of their religion or conflate the actions of the Israeli government with our Jewish neighbors. Throughout history, vandalism has been used to target and harass Jewish communities, and the use of vandalism today against Jewish-owned shops here in our district is unacceptable. There is no place for vandalism or violence anywhere in our communities.
As we witness horrific tragedies unfold and see a rise in hatred across the world, it is more important than ever to remember that Jewish Americans are not responsible for the actions of the Israeli government, just as Arab Americans are not responsible for the actions of Hamas. Our communities must come together in times of pain and grief to protect each other’s safety as we engage in hard conversations grounded in truth. Stoking divisions and hatred only prevents us from working towards our collective liberation. Instead, we must center our actions and conversations in truth, empathy, and our shared humanity as we work to protect human rights around the world and promote peace.
Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest released the following statement:
As Mayor of Scarsdale, I unequivocally condemn the recent acts of antisemitism and the deplorable vandalism at the Golden Horseshoe Shopping Center. These actions, though they technically occurred over the border in New Rochelle, have cast a shadow over our community, raising concerns and fears among our residents. Such behavior is not only unacceptable, it also goes against the core values of our community. We, in Scarsdale, stand together in denouncing these acts of hate and intolerance.
This incident transcends mere property damage. It’s a grave reminder of the persistent issue of antisemitism rearing its head anew in our society. The vandalism is not just an act of defiance but a reflection of a dangerous trend of hate and misinformation, and a reminder of past dark times. We must be forthright in confronting and challenging these acts and the false narratives that accompany them. In
this context, it’s critical to remember and acknowledge that Hamas alone had expressed intentions of genocide in this conflict. This fact should not be overlooked or forgotten in our discourse and actions.
Recognizing the broader picture of hate and misinformation, it is essential for us to combat all forms of prejudice and bigotry. Our community must remain vigilant against any and all sources of hatred. We must continue to promote peace, understanding, and respect for everyone, irrespective of their background. And as always, should you see anything suspicious, please report it to the police.
In light of this event, I have been in touch Mayor Ramos-Herbert of New Rochelle and plan to join her at the Golden Horseshoe this afternoon at 4 pm along with other concerned residents. Our united front will be a powerful symbol against antisemitism and a testament to our commitment to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all our citizens.
Let’s work together to eradicate hatred and
foster a community where diversity and tolerance are not just accepted but celebrated.
I must also thank our partners in other levels of government, George Latimer, Shelley Mayer, Amy Paulin, and Judah Holstein for reaching out this morning and sharing their support.