NO HATE CRIME DESIGNATION despite three overnight incidents of arson, vandalism, and anti-semitic banners at Jewish-owned businesses in a Jewish community on Long Island

A tense weekend in the predominantly Jewish ‘Five Towns’ community on Long Island, NY, prompted concern over what many fear were coordinated anti-Semitic attacks.

TYW Members of Hewlett’s Jewish community awoke Monday morning to reports of three disturbing incidents that occurred overnight within blocks of the synagogue  and surrounding Jewish homes. The incidents, all of which took place around 3:00 am, appear to have been deliberately coordinated to intimidate and spread antisemitic hate.  though details surrounding them remain vague and scant.

The first incident involved a fire at Avi’s Auto Repair, where a tow truck parked in the lot was set ablaze, and the flames spread to the office building.

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Minutes later, ASAP Restoration had its windows smashed.

A third incident occurred at the Chesed Center, where a banner bearing anti-Israel and antisemitic messaging was tied to the building’s front gate.

While initial fears suggested a coordinated hate crime, investigators now reportedly believe that the arson and vandalism at the auto repair shop and ASAP Restoration might have stemmed from a personal grievance against the Jewish business owner, rather than targeted antisemitism. However, the sign hung at the Chesed Center is being treated as an act of antisemitism,

In recent years, the Five Towns community on Long Island, which has a significant Jewish population, has  experienced a steep rise in antisemitic incidents.

• Antisemitic Flyers: In 2022, antisemitic flyers promoting false conspiracy theories targeting the Jewish community were discovered in various communities, including the Five Towns. Local officials and community leaders strongly condemned the distribution of these flyers. The Goyim Defense League, an antisemitic group, is suspected to be responsible for these incidents.
• Antisemitic Billboard: In 2023, an antisemitic billboard with a subtle message implying that “Jews Spread Disease” was displayed in the community. Assemblyman Ari Brown condemned the billboard and brought the matter to the attention of the New York State Department of Health.
• Antisemitic Attacks in NYC affecting Five Towns Residents: A Five Towns resident who was the victim of an antisemitic attack in New York City rallied with local community members to denounce hate crimes.