By: TJVNews.com

In an act that has shaken the local community, vile antisemitic graffiti, including swastikas, was discovered defacing the façade of Magen David Yeshiva on McDonald Avenue and Avenue S early on Wednesday. Responding swiftly, State Senator Sam Sutton and Councilman Simcha Felder arrived at the scene to assess the damage and meet with law enforcement and community safety officials.

Within hours of the initial report, additional hateful markings were found at a nearby Jewish cemetery on McDonald Avenue near Avenue J — a chilling echo of the same targeted hatred. The incidents have sparked outrage across Brooklyn’s Jewish community and a renewed call for vigilance, solidarity, and swift justice.

Senator Sutton and Councilman Felder were immediately briefed by the New York Police Department and Shomrim, who are collaborating closely with the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force to identify and apprehend those responsible. Both officials joined community members and volunteers in personally assisting efforts to remove every trace of the hate symbols from the yeshiva’s walls.

Councilman Felder condemned the attack as “a despicable act meant to intimidate, but destined to fail,” adding that the community’s unity in the face of hate continues to serve as its greatest defense.

“We will not be intimidated,” Felder stated. “Together, we’ve built a thriving community with a foundation unlike any other. The collaboration between our Shomrim and the NYPD is a perfect example of that strength. Every time we’ve faced hate, we’ve stood united and emerged stronger. Our answer will always be unity, resilience, and fearless pride in who we are.”

Senator Sutton echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that Brooklyn’s Jewish institutions represent not just centers of learning, but living pillars of faith, tradition, and continuity. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the perpetrators face full accountability under the law.

“This cowardly act of antisemitic vandalism is not merely an attack on a building — it is an attack on our entire community and on the values of tolerance and respect that define this city,” Sutton said. “The people of Brooklyn will never cower before hate. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our Jewish brothers and sisters, united in strength, compassion, and resolve.”

Both officials praised the swift mobilization of law enforcement, noting that the Hate Crimes Task Force had already begun canvassing the area for surveillance footage, gathering evidence, and interviewing witnesses. They further underscored the importance of continued cooperation between civic leaders, community patrols, and city agencies to ensure the safety and dignity of all New Yorkers.

The Magen David Yeshiva, a cornerstone of Brooklyn’s Sephardic Jewish community for generations, resumed regular operations shortly after the cleanup. Parents, faculty, and students returned with renewed determination — their spirits undiminished by the act of hatred. Teachers led students in discussions about resilience, Jewish identity, and the importance of confronting intolerance with moral courage.

Community leaders have pledged that this incident will not be forgotten and will instead serve as a rallying cry for greater education, awareness, and unity against antisemitism in all its forms.

Councilman Felder reaffirmed that message, stating, “This is not just about erasing hateful graffiti — it’s about reaffirming our shared values. Brooklyn’s Jewish community has survived centuries of hatred by choosing life, light, and learning. That will never change.”

Senator Sutton concluded the visit by commending the cooperation between the NYPD, Shomrim, and local residents, noting that “the speed and solidarity of this response is proof that hate will always be met with action, not fear.”

Both leaders vowed to remain personally involved in monitoring the investigation and to advocate for enhanced protection of houses of worship, yeshivas, and Jewish cemeteries across the borough.