Forest Hills Leaders Condemn Swastika Graffiti

Several Forest Hills leaders issued a joint statement this week, decrying offensive graffiti that was discovered in Forest Hills late Friday. 

According to the office of City Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz, swastikas and racial slurs were discovered spraypainted along the bottom of an overpass at 64th Avenue and 64th Road in Forest Hills. 

The graffiti was reported to the police and was immediately removed.

Several local leaders released a joint statement condemning the culprits, who have yet to be caught.

"I am utterly disgusted and angered at such expressions of hate and bigotry especially during the week of one the holiest religious observance for Jews," Koslowitz said. "These images serve nothing but a terrible reminder of the prejudice that still exists today.  It breaks my heart to know that someone would stoop so low to evoke fear and dreadful memories of the past."

Community Board 6 District Manager Frank Gulluscio was equally shocked.

"The hate crimes demonstrated the inappropriate behavior and irresponsibility of a few during Passover," he said. "It has affected the quality of life of Christians and Jews this holiday season. Our community can only hope and pray that these crimes can be solved."

Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi said the incident should not be taken as a reflection on the community at large.

"I am absolutely appalled to see such malicious and offensive action taken against our community. This sort of hate filled message is in no way reflective of our diverse and inclusive neighborhood," he said. "We will not tolerate bigotry of any form, be it race, religion, or anything else in our community."