For Immediate Release:

September 6, 2012

Freeholders condemn acts of hate in Manalapan

Swastikas, hate messages found spray painted throughout neighborhood

FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders condemned the anti-Semitic messages that appeared throughout the Monmouth Heights section of Manalapan Township today.

Residents there woke to up find swastikas – the symbol of Nazi Germany and hatred against the Jewish people – and other messages of hate spray painted throughout the community.

“This is totally reprehensible,” Monmouth County Freeholder Director John P. Curley said. “I condemn in the strongest possible terms this bigoted intolerance and anti-Semitic messages that were inflicted on the residents of this fine community. It has no place in Monmouth County or anywhere.”

“Religious persecution in any form is contrary to the founding principles of America,” Freeholder Deputy Director Thomas A. Arnone said. “While we’d like to think the treatment of the Jews during World War II taught us right from wrong, the sad fact is the lesson was lost on some people. I personally find this kind of vandalism despicable, to say the least.”

The graffiti was found in the areas of Taylors Mills Road and Route 9 about 12:30 a.m. this morning, prompting an investigation by Manalapan police and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.

“It is shocking and unacceptable, especially in an area that is home to a number of Holocaust survivors,” Freeholder Serena DiMaso said. “The community will not be intimidated by these senseless acts of hate. I stand with Monmouth Heights and the larger Manalapan community in condemning these ugly acts of hate directed at the Jewish community.”

“The painting of a swastika is one of the most contemptible hate crimes a person could commit,” Freeholder Lillian G. Burry said. “It is a symbol of the attempt to exterminate the Jewish people by Nazi Germany, and should be condemned in the strongest language possible.”

“The use of the swastika is universal in its message of hate,” Freeholder Gary J. Rich Jr. said. “It is used against both Jews and non-Jews to frighten and intimidate people from their beliefs. The fact that it showed up in Manalapan or anywhere, for that matter, is shocking and disturbing.”

Manalapan Mayor Susan Cohen urges anyone with information about who may have painted the swastikas and other hate messages to contact Manalapan Detective Thomas Mantle at 732-446-4300.

“Swastikas are all about instilling fear and intimidation,” she said. “It’s revolting.”

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