Mamdani condemns swastika graffiti at Brooklyn yeshiva as 'disgusting and heartbreaking'

"The incident that prompted Zohran Mamdani's first condemnation of local antisemitism since he was elected mayor took place just minutes after the race was called in his favor. Two red swastikas were spray-painted on Magen David Yeshivah in Brooklyn on Tuesday night, according to footage shared on social media and the New York Police Department, which said the vandalism occurred at 9:53 p.m. Other Jewish sites in the city were also vandalized, Gov. Kathy Hochul said without offering details."

"Magen David Yeshiva declined to comment on the vandalism. Its principal reportedly told families that security had been increased in response to the graffiti. The school is located in Gravesend, a hub of New York City's Sephardic Jewish community. It had required parents to prove they had registered to vote before the school year, as part of a push within the community to oppose Mamdani largely because of his rhetoric on Israel. Two-thirds of the neighborhood's voters cast their ballots for former Gov. Andrew Cuomo during the general election, compared to 22% for Mamdani."

Two red swastikas were spray-painted on Magen David Yeshivah in Brooklyn at 9:53 p.m., according to footage and the NYPD. Other Jewish sites in the city were also reported vandalized, Gov. Kathy Hochul said. Zohran Mamdani condemned the Magen David Yeshivah vandalism on X, calling it a disgusting and heartbreaking act of antisemitism and pledging to stand steadfast with Jewish neighbors. The NYPD reported no arrests and said the incident is under investigation as a hate crime. The school's principal reportedly increased security and the school had earlier required proof of voter registration amid opposition to Mamdani.

Read at The Forward