FOREST HILLS, Queens (PIX11) — The NYPD launched a search for a suspect who allegedly etched antisemitic symbols into cement in front of six locations in Forest Hills, Queens.
The first incident happened on March 18 outside the 112th NYPD Precinct. The individual etched two antisemitic symbols into the cement in front of the precinct, police said.
The second incident happened on Monday when two antisemitic symbols were discovered etched in the cement outside a junior high school on 102nd Street, according to the NYPD. Also on Monday, a symbol was found etched into the cement in front of a residential building on Queens Boulevard.
The fourth incident occurred on Tuesday when another antisemitic symbol was discovered outside a residential building on 72nd Drive.
On Wednesday, the NYPD said there were two incidents in which an antisemitic symbol was etched into the cement: One in front of a synagogue on 112th Street, and the other was in front of a residential building on Austin Street.
Police described the individual wanted for questioning as having a slim build. He was last seen wearing a blue sweatshirt, gray sweatpants and sneakers.
These incidents happened just as the Anti-Defamation League released a report showing New York state led the nation in 2022 with the highest level of incidents against the Jewish community.
According to the report, there were 580 antisemitic incidents reported in New York in 2022, a 39% increase over 2021. Of those, 68% were recorded in New York City.
The ADL reported 72 antisemitic assaults in New York in 2022 — the highest number ever recorded. The vast majority of those — 66 assaults — occurred in New York City.
Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).
