By Rebecca Henely
City Councilman Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) joined with officials and Jewish leaders Friday to decry swastika graffiti that had been painted on two Queens libraries and a synagogue in the area.
“We’re here to deplore this type of a hate crime,” Dromm said. “We’re here to demand answers from the Police Department.”
Alex Florez, spokesman for Dromm, said the swastikas were spray-painted between Wednesday night and Thursday morning. Four were painted on the windows of the Jackson Heights Library at 35-51 81st St., one at the East Elmhurst Library at 95-06 Astoria Boulevard and one at the Congregation Tifereth Israel of Jackson Heights at 31-36 88th St. in East Elmhurst. There was no suspect description as of Friday afternoon.
Borough President Helen Marshall, state Sen. Toby Stavisky (D-Whitestone), City Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills), City Councilman Peter Koo (R-Flushing) and Assemblymen Michael DenDekker (D-Jackson Heights) and Francisco Moya (D-Jackson Heights) also condemned the hate crime.
“I thank everybody for doing their part and coming out for this demonstration,” said Steve Knobel, president of the Jewish Center of Jackson Heights at 37-06 77th St.
Dromm urged those who knew anything about the crime to contact NYPD’s CrimeStoppers. It can be reached by phone at 1-800-577-TIPS, through its website nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting tips to 274637 and then entering TIP577.
Reach reporter Rebecca Henely by e-mail at rhenely@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4564.
