.
Feedback

Jewish Leader Not Deterred By Nazi Hate Symbol [UPDATE]

Jewish community leader says appearance of Swastika shows, “we can’t forget.”

Steve Gold’s neighbor told him Monday morning he needed to show him something disturbing. 

It was a Nazi Swastika painted on the street between their homes on Lady Godiva Way in New City.  The symbol of hate painted in blue was quickly covered over by town workers. 

“My parents were survivors of the concentration camps so when I saw that, it was like a stake going through my heart,” said Gold, who is a prominent Jewish community activist.

Gold’s neighbor, Dr. Norman Levine, saw the marking around 7:15 a.m., notified Gold and called the Clarkstown police.  Levine said he felt sickened by what he saw.

“I felt threatened and violated in my own community, in front of my house,” said Levine. “I don’t think that’s an irrational response. I think anyone in my situation would feel that way.” 

Gold thinks the symbol was drawn overnight because he said a lot of people were out in the neighborhood on Sunday. Although many of his neighbors are Jewish, Gold believes he was the target because a small dog figurine was missing from his property. He said police drove around the neighborhood and told him they did not find any other markings. 

Neighbors voiced concern and were repulsed by the incident.

“It’s just really disturbing,” said one nearby resident. “ It’s just a lack of respect.” 

She said when she had put out her garbage cans around 11 p.m. on Sunday night, she did not see anyone or hear anything. 

Another neighbor who was driving by stopped to share her feelings. 

“I never in my life heard anything so disgusting especially in front of the house of someone who does so much good,” she said.

Clarkstown Town Supervisor Alex Gromack issued a statement regarding the incident. 

"This is a despicable act of anti-Semitism on our public roadway near the home of one of our distinguished leaders of the Jewish Community here in Clarkstown and Rockland County and his neighbor," said Gromack. “The Clarkstown Police Department is investigating this crime.  This shocking act of hate is not tolerated in the Town of Clarkstown and we will not allow this kind of reprehensible act to go unpunished." 

Gold is a vice president of JCC Rockland in West Nyack and chairs the Munich 11 Minute of Silence Campaign. He is incoming president of the Rockland Jewish Federation. He and his wife Helene are being honored by the Rockland Holocaust Museum & Study Center later this month with its Leadership Award.  

“This was done to rattle,” said Gold. “They took the time to do it because it was pretty perfect.”

The Holocaust Museum released a statement on the symbol which was described as a "manifestation of hate and ignorance is something that cannot be tolerated."  It noted that Rockland County is one of the most diverse communities in New York State. 

Museum President Paul Galan said, "The Museum tries to teach tolerance and the history of the Holocaust to our community for exactly this reason. We cannot allow the resurgence of such acts to persist in our midst. The entire community of Rockland should stand together, rise as one and voice its revulsion at the existence of the elements of hate, division and intolerance in our community. The Holocaust Museum & Study Center is proud to be and will continue to be at the forefront of fighting the perpetrators and enemies of peace, tolerance and unity throughout the world and in Rockland County. 

Gold said he takes the incident very seriously.

“It shows that we can’t forget,” he said.

Senator David Carlucci spoke against the incident.

"I strongly condemn this horrific act of anti-Semitism that has been directed towards one of the staunchest advocates for the Jewish community in the Town of Clarkstown," said Carlucci. "Hatred and vandalism cannot go unpunished by those who seek to instill fear in our community.  Those who perpetrated these acts must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law."

The Jewish harvest festival of Sukkot began Sunday night. Many Jewish organizations are closed today for observance of the holiday. 

Clarkstown police said it is unknown whether this incident is a random act or a targeted act. The incident is being investigated as a hate crime and anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Clarkstown Police Department at 845-639-5800 or the anonymous Tips Line at 877-639-6233. 

Police said an asterisk symbol was also painted nearby on a manhole cover in the same blue spraypaint.


Legislator Ed Day October 1, 2012 at 04:52 pm
It is a sad commentary that there are some people who still do not understand nor care just how hurtful an act such as this is, or comprehend the horrors that are brought to mind when one sees a swastika. Ignorance such as this reflects horribly on our community, and in this case, on very dear friends too. There is no place for hate such as this in our community, and am hopeful that justice will be meted out to the person or persons responsible. Let us all take a stand and be one voice in condemning hateful acts such as this.
Anti political October 1, 2012 at 06:12 pm
It's just symbol not a hate crime get over it
Karen E Zahner October 1, 2012 at 07:30 pm
Get over it??? It is a reminder of a horrible time in history that we should NEVER get over!!!
steve smith October 1, 2012 at 08:24 pm
anyone with any historical knowledge would know this is just kids. know why??? THE SWASTIKAS BACKWARDS!!! the only time you will see this is if you are looking at the back side of a flag. thank you.
Steven Kunis October 1, 2012 at 08:26 pm
How could you say "Get over it”? This is a symbol of anti-Semitism, hatred and a reminder of six million Jews exterminated by a despicable human being and his henchman. This was a planned act of committing a hate crime. Hopefully the law will come down swift and hard on these perpetrators!
Phil Costa October 1, 2012 at 08:33 pm
This is a harmful and deplorable act. It must not be allowed to continue or be condoned.
To say it is "just a symbol" is a total lack of respect for all good, God fearing people, no matter what religion they profess. People of many back rounds were killed by the Nazi's, and the use of the swastika is deplorable. I am a Roman Catholic. This act of hate is just wrong.
Kathy Murphy October 1, 2012 at 08:57 pm
I absolutely agree Karen! It's just a symbol? Anti political you are a complete moron. Maybe you should get over the fact that there are jewish people that live in this community and they deserve respect. As a religion they would never think to do such an act on anyone because they are peaceful people. Maybe you should actually speak with one on the topic and you might learn something if you are not too far gone already.
Kathy Murphy October 1, 2012 at 09:00 pm
Steve, You are probably right. Unfortunately they are still learning this from somewhere and if they are caught I hope they are punished as far as the law will allow.
wow wayne just hired a 75,000 assistant....for 20 plus hours a week and all the highway department can do is paint a whitish cloud over the aberation???/come on clowntown we pay wall street saaries for the best!!!and the job you did was downright discount looking..
the sad reality of this crime and others is...there are always perverted mutants living amongst us...we have had convicted murderers as boy scout leadrers...etc etc...what a world.......real estate partners that make tons of money and dont declare it....teachers that have bullied students...unreal...the reality is nothing is perfect and its up to each and every citizen to protect their families and homes..
stephany October 1, 2012 at 10:04 pm
gromack guaranteed it will not go unpunished.we shall see. people are making a lot of assumptions re who if anyone specific was the target. kids think it is amusing they do not necessarily hate every jew that was ever born and this hate crime thing is discriminatory against whites who can't be discriminated against. I hate you white boy ain't gonna cut it in court
let me guess.....you must be good friends with that guy who is missing in harriman state park and wanted.....go pack your lunch make sure you take at least 6 cans of dog food....and have a great evening....
one would have to assume that you thought 9-11 was also a symbol of something?
Sandra Siegel October 2, 2012 at 02:07 am
This is definitely a hate crime. What a horrible thing to happen in our community or anywhere. I hope the perpetrators are caught and punished to the full extent of the law and If they are minors that their parents are held accountable as well. To anti-political anyone that can make comments and refuses to use their real name should be deleted and you are an ahole.
interesting in that a small dog figureine was also stolen...so this act was part of an overall act of harming other peoples properties..interesting sidebar thought....remember a while ago there was incredible vandalism affecting many cars and mailboxes...any possibiliies this is part 2 of that person or persons activites? what we see is what we get...so low life mutations who like to harm others usually continue their paths of activities..lets truly hope no people get impacted by this group of aberations.....
Rob October 2, 2012 at 05:37 am
This sounds like the work of perhaps one or two kids who probably have some negative influences in their own homes--Probably their own parents.
Rob October 2, 2012 at 05:50 am
Although this has nothing to do with this story, It reminded me of something. I once knocked on the door of a client's apartment and noticed a swastika like symbol over the doorway. I almost died until I learned that this is very common in India. It is a Hindu symbol of positive influence I believe. However, certainly the one painted on the street was intended for a different use.
lorri eskenazi October 2, 2012 at 11:08 am
As a community, we all have a responsibility to instill values of tolerance and respect. Clearly, there is a breakdown in what constitutes acceptable behavior when an individual commits an ignorant and hurtful act like spraying a swastika, a known symbol of hate.
Lorri
Paul Galan October 2, 2012 at 01:32 pm
You don't know what you are talking about. You are fortunate that you were never confronted with Nazis and their hateful symbols.
Steve Gold October 2, 2012 at 10:20 pm
I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who have expressed outrage to the Swastika incident and reached out by sharing your encouraging words. There is never an adequate answer to the why and that is the reason we must continue to educate, continue to remember, and continue to never forget.
Jason Librot October 3, 2012 at 05:24 pm
@steve smith, I know of the hindu symbol of the right-facing swastika which literally means "to be good" and it is used to evoke "shakti power" in the Hindu religion... but get your facts straight-- this is clearly the opposite- a left-facing swastika symbolizes the hatred and all the ignorance of the people that bore it. My parents just came back from a trip to one site of such hate overseas and saw the trains that collected people and to even feel like they knew a small sample the fear of our ancestors was horrific and chilled them to the bone. You think its cool just because a kid may have done it? Not only was it the hateful kind of swastika, but I believe it's even more alarming because children pretty often adopt the voices of their parents and peers more than they speak their own minds. Do you know any hate-filled politically active CHILDREN who are inclined to instill real fear into the hearts of people in our neighborhoods? I didn't think so, and if you do, even more reason to punish this act to the full extent of the law. These ideals, and not just the people wielding them like a weapon, need to be extinguished.
stephany October 4, 2012 at 02:06 pm
you are making the assumption that whoever did it did not simply make a mistake in the way they painted it.right left up down, and who is to say the stolen dog figurine was done by the same person or group.and if that is all that ties it to Gold -what is the connection why not paint the swastika right on his grass and not risk getting caught with the dog figurine.
unless the person or person who did this has a history of related crimes how can anyone say it was a hate crime vs another juvenile delinquent. In the interest of justice I think there are a lot of people just on this thread that should recuse them selves from jury duty should lt it come to that. imo if it was a hate crime and Gold was the target the swastika would be on the lawn. the figurine would still be there unless they had a buyer for it. the thought that someone would put the swastika in the street and then have to steal an unrelated object from the targets lawn to identify the target is too farfetched,especially considering they were probably not looking to spend extra time at the scene. did one guy do the paint and one do the theft--maybe but how could they be sure anyone would make the connection they wanted I am not condoning the act. If it was a hate crime it should be prosecuted. I am saying that there is no evidence of hate yet. When there is throw the book at them
steve smith October 4, 2012 at 07:19 pm
jason.......go to the library & take a book out on ww2 & look at a picture of a swastika. ---a right facing eagle is a good eagle. a left facing eagle is a ''sinister'' eagle. a backwards swastica is a backwards swastika. get a book.
Rob October 5, 2012 at 03:16 am
" If it was a hate crime"..... Really Stephany......Really....
Jason Librot October 5, 2012 at 03:37 am
IF this was a hate crime? Who really cares who the target was... It was in the middle of a street filled with Jews, as far as I'm concerned, they were all targets. I would argue that the swastika itself represents the hate toward a group or multiple groups of people (OBVIOUSLY the one that may even make up the majority of the street in this case) and that all the other information (i.e. Where exactly it was painted, whose lawn it was closest too, which object was taken, the nature of the object, if the object was "on sale") is irrelevant. It is plain and simply a crime to cause that psychological harm to another human being. If you don't want to believe that merely drawing a symbol can cause psychological harm, you don't know the first thing about the atrocities of that war and how it still affects people psychologically today. I am two generations away from my survivor grandparents and can easily see the psychological effects (more specifically permanent damage) from all the way down here, even via my own parents. And that is only by proxy of being RAISED by the people affected by this, not even experiencing it myself. To know that level of fear, to think that you will be persecuted even for a split second on that intense a level, to the degree of being sought out and exterminated, you and I will NEVER know that fear, but if someone on my block felt even a fraction of that for a minute, a crime has occurred here.
B John October 5, 2012 at 09:14 am
I doubt we have a graphiti artist from India or a Nazi on the loose. This was most likely kids and the sad reallity is that you most likely will not catch them. Parents should be parenting their children. Last month police caught some underage car vandals out at 3 am. This incident occurred Sun after 11pm. If caught send the kids for counseling and give the parents community service.
a point of interest..on one of a nationwide Normal web site..their tpoic was gangs in prison..like something we really need to know??? but the most dangerous gang that has a horriffic reputation regarding violence to others and their member was one called ready?? aryan nation..and guess what? when they tattoo their gang colors or whatever on their bodies guess what is a symbol...one just like the one on the street that was painted...so it doesnt matter if the symbol was upside down sideways backwards it is a symbol..maybe those writing on here saying it wasnt a symbol of hate should visit a prison ask for a member of the ones who have it tattooed and give them a critique!!!!!!!!!
my thoughts if a notorious gang is"STILL using that HORRIFIC SYMBOL in these time how do know or then again not know if the ones who did this henious act arent trying to mimic those incarerated wearing the symbol???????years ago when we moved to ready?? Monsey.a kid walked over to a member of my family in high school...and patted him on the head asking where are your horns!!!the principal was read the riot act by our father..so sadly to say the kids who kid this..then again maybe it was an adult have to be considered not safe to the rest ..
just realized when I wrote the last posting..what if this was done by an adult???mmmmm adds a very unsettling aspect ...
stephany October 6, 2012 at 01:34 am
so if they are caught go right to sentencing and skip the trial !!
and yes IF it was a hate crime
Jose Wakantanka December 29, 2012 at 08:55 pm
You are incorrect. Hindu Swastikas face both directions, neither is "evil" ( the concept does not even exist ). I've seen them ( in India ) in every conceivable form, they are everywhere, on temple walls, taxi dashboards, etc. This stuff about "evil" swastikas is made-up baloney, as is most of what people know of the great religion of India.
I think folks ARE over-reacting. Screaming for kids to be thrown into prison over this is insane. Horrible things happened. We ARE supposed to get over them and go on living, loving and teaching others. "Never forgive!" is an attitude that will get you nowhere. And if you feel so strongly, why not imprison people for Communist symbols also? How do you think East European immigrants feel when they see the "Red" Condos on Houston St. in NYC, with it's huge statue of Lenin ( inventor of concentration camps, and mass murderer ) feel? Cubans seeing kids with Che t-shirts? Let's be honest, and consistent here. I see you use the same sort of language the Nazis do, and would probably make a good one yourself, "extinguishing" and "punishing".

Newsletter & Alerts

Get the best stories each day and important breaking news

Subscribe

Not from New City Patch? Find your Local Patch »

Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
Jimmy R June 14, 2013 at 05:10 pm
The first thing little Frankie wanted to know was that since he was mayor of Suffern for the day,Read More could he get his bicycle fixed at the village Department of Public Works.
Paul Williams June 16, 2013 at 08:33 am
He also wanted to know the most effective method of spying on the other kids so he could get electedRead More Class President.
Green Farmer June 13, 2013 at 01:39 pm
Why not cut out the middle man and just send the money directly to the religious schools.
Paul Williams June 16, 2013 at 08:27 am
If they reported all their income........if every other home was not owned by a "RABBI"Read More and tax free.....if they returned all the books and learning materials they "borrowed" .......ETC ETC.....Get real Weeder.
Green Farmer June 13, 2013 at 01:42 pm
It will never happen.
M. Leybra June 16, 2013 at 07:25 pm
Shouldn't be happening in the first place & "requiring" another law to stop rippingRead More off Joe Blow taxpayer for county government elite, disgusting.
Champs pose for a picture (photo by Craig Fetterman)
Kevin Zawacki (Editor) June 12, 2013 at 11:03 am
Congratulations to the Cubs!
Scott F. June 12, 2013 at 11:35 am
The boys were awesome last night and all season long, a well deserved Championship for a great groupRead More of boys
Lisa Buchman (Editor) June 13, 2013 at 11:20 am
Fantastic! Just posted the photo on New City Facebook too!
Aerial of United Water's proposed water treatment plant
Tom Nimick June 11, 2013 at 09:23 pm
Mr. Pointing says that an issues conference is unusual. The unusual step is called for because thisRead More project is highly unusual; it is unprecedented. This French-owned water company wants to implement its pet technology at our expense - it makes sense for the company because the project makes lots of money. There is information available that calls into question the "definitive" studies carried out by the water company. Of course they found that their technology was the best option - what a surprise! They have not made the case that they carried out a disinterested examination of the issues in the public interest. Yes there are still issues. Also, stop threatening us with increased costs from delay. First, it does not make sense and second, you are trying to bully us into accepting your proposal. That is one more sign that something is wrong in your proposal.
John Taggart June 13, 2013 at 08:08 am
An issues conference will be a wast of time and money. So many ' issues ' have been pulled out ofRead More thin air. The people who organized against the plant will just keep saying the same thing. No amount of info will be enough, no answer will be accepted. The issues conference will be a circus of endless questions, ideas, and demands. Haverstraw bay reclassified as drinking water will better protect it, provide an endless supply of water and finally help end the stereotype of the Hudson being polluted Recommend
mike sullivan June 11, 2013 at 08:14 pm
get a life
Tom Nimick June 11, 2013 at 09:12 pm
There were no open meetings. I attended the April meeting and Mr. Lettre was directed by the TownRead More Board to return with more precise estimates and to include options for other upgrades. I have attended every meeting of the Town Board since that time and Mr. Lettre never returned in an open meeting. Mr. Borelli indicated that Mr. Lettre had addressed his concerns directly and privately. According to the Open Meetings Law, the deliberations of the Town Board are to be open and visible to the public. Private individual meetings or communications with members of the Town Board so as to avoid open deliberations flouts the intent of the Open Meetings Law. Mr. Gromack's statement of other meetings is inaccurate and, since it was specifically in response to a question about open meetings, dishonest. Mr. Borelli, shame on you for accepting a private communication and not standing by your guidance to Mr. Lettre that he was to come back to an open meeting of the Town Board.
Watchdog June 17, 2013 at 04:27 pm
Borelli and Ho -Man are in the bag for Lettre. They are not Republicans...just political hacks forRead More Lettre. RINOS.
galledeb June 10, 2013 at 10:45 am
How can I get more information? When and where are auditions?
Maddie June 10, 2013 at 04:25 pm
You can contact Pastor Robin at rdemaggio@ramapocentral.org
Tracy Urvater June 13, 2013 at 09:25 am
What are the dates of this camp?
Cicadas emerging from their 17 year slumber.
Kevin Zawacki (Editor) June 9, 2013 at 09:32 pm
Thanks for sharing, Grace! Your thoughts on their noise?
Grace Anthony Zemsky June 10, 2013 at 09:00 am
The traffic from the nearby Palisades Parkway is more of a noise nuisance than the cicada chorus.Read More (We have triple-paned windows because of it.) There is something almost musical about the hum of the cicadas. Of course, it may bother me more if I lived in the "affected area" and heard it constantly. Upon entering this nearby neighborhood, the sound crescendos. And yet, it can't be heard a couple of streets away. The drone of locusts is more bothersome than these 17 year cicadas.
Coleen Crowe June 10, 2013 at 01:30 pm
There are swarms of them at my house in upper nyack. Take a ride down Broadway in Upper Nyack nearRead More Nyack beach and they are super loud.
Linda June 8, 2013 at 10:39 am
I missed this! Is there still a way to get a signed copy? Maybe he will do another signing?
John Murphy June 11, 2013 at 08:20 am
This is the most accurate word picture of one of the tragic corollary side effects of one ofRead More humanities ' gruesome failings , which is war. Thank you Pam Sitomer for putting your writing genius to work for a noble cause.