Community Leaders ‘Erase the Hate’ from Tagged East Broadway Synagogue
At the end of last week, the historic Beth Hachasidim DePolen synagogue at 233 East Broadway was desecrated with KKK scrawls. The tag was briefly obstructed by paper until yesterday, when an impromptu rally assembled to “erase the hate” from the 113-year-old house of worship. Councilwoman Chin whitewashed the graffiti while a gaggle of press and locals documented.
The politicized erasure was an opportunity for the politicians to join with Lower East Siders of many different faiths and ethnicities to denounce the bigoted graffiti.
“The hateful words scrawled at this sacred place were meant to inspire fear. Instead, we are united to show our defiance in the face of that hate and bigotry,” Chin said in her speech.
“The Jewish community in the Lower East Side is one of the oldest on this continent. Its roots run deep, and they are an inseparable part of the fabric of our country. However, in our President, we see that fabric being ripped apart.”
Further uptown, meanwhile, swastikas were also drawn next to the front door of the Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew on W. 86th St. near West End Ave.
The NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating both incidents, which do not appear to be related, officials said.
“Hate will not be tolerated in New York City,” Mayor de Blasio tweeted Friday. “If you have information on the defacing of Beth Hachasidim DePolen downtown or Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew on the UWS, call the NYPD.”
Beth Hachasidim DePolen (House of the Pious Men of Poland) is one of many “shtiebels,” or small congregations, that still dot East Broadway. The loose congregation was first organized in 1904, according to the Lower East Side Jewish Conservancy.
Hate will not be tolerated in New York City. https://t.co/KYWEu6KMkz
— Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) August 25, 2017
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