Community Corner

Anti-Semitic Vandalism, Including Swastikas Found in West Hartford, Condemned by ADL

Recent anti-Semitic vandalism that has occurred throughout Greater Hartford has been publicly condemned by the Anti-Defamation League.

On Thursday morning, West Hartford Police were investigating an incident involving a swastika and other symbols which were spray-painted in the middle of Farmstead Lane at the intersection with Overhill Road on Wednesday night.

On Thursday evening, the Anti-Defamation League released a statement condemning the vandalism in West Hartford. Several additional acts of vandalism in West Hartford were discovered later Thursday, including a swastika drawn on the track at Hall High School.

Anti-Defamation League Connecticut Regional Director Gary Jones said he has been pleased with the seriousness with which area police deparments has taken these incidents.

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As many as 95 graves were recently overturned at the Tower Avenue Jewish Cemetery in Hartford, an incident which is being investigated as a hate crime by the Hartford Police Department Major Crimes Unit according to the news release.

“It is distressing to see such a horrible symbol of hate displayed anywhere, especially in multiple locations in a community which is home to a substantial number of Jewish people,” stated Jones in the release. “However, we can be heartened by how seriously our law enforcement personnel treat these manifestations of hate. We are especially appreciative that [West Hartford Police] Chief Gove and his department are so diligent in ensuring that ADL is not only apprised of the findings, but also updated almost immediately as the investigation unfolds. We are ready and willing to assist the West Hartford Police Department in whatever way we can.”

Find out what's happening in West Hartfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“ADL works hard to foster relationships with our friends in law enforcement,” said Jones in the release. “We thank [Hartford Police] Chief Rovella and Lieutenant Foley for keeping us informed as their investigation continues.”


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