No arrests yet in Edison yeshiva vandalism

By Enid Weiss

August 1, 2008
 

There have been no arrests in the case of anti-Semitic graffiti scribbled on interior walls at Rabbi Jacob Joseph Yeshiva in Edison.

"It was a disturbing incident because it is disturbing when any institution is the victim of an anti-Semitic attack, but what is concerning in this case is that it appears vandals were inside the building," said Etzion Neuer, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League's New Jersey Region, located in West Orange.

Swastikas, the word "Jesus," and graphic sexual pictures were drawn on two interior walls of the school at 2060 Woodbridge Ave., according to Lt. Joseph Shannon of the Edison Township Police Department. The graffiti was drawn using green and black permanent marker and was shortly after painted over.

"Unknown suspects gained entry through an unlocked rear door sometime between 6 p.m. Friday, July 11 and 4 p.m. Sunday, July 13," Shannon said in a telephone interview with The Jewish State. The door opened into the school's gymnasium and the markings were in a nearby stairwell and on the walls of a second floor hall. "The damage estimate may have only been $50, but it is a bias crime and we treat this very seriously."

A 19-year-old student discovered the four markings, which were two-feet by three-feet, two-by-two, and two were three-by-three.

Neuer called the school and sent them materials on how the ADL can help with security and dealing with such incidents, he said. He also spoke to Edison police and the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office.

"They are taking it seriously and investigating," Neuer said. "From the description of the graffiti, one can draw the conclusion that we're not looking at mission-driven white supremacists but juveniles. A swastika is still the most vicious symbol to Jews."