Queens activists are urging President Trump’s Justice Department to investigate a years-long rash of antisemitic incidents in the Jackson Heights vicinity — including the desecration of a menorah during the Hanukkah holiday last month, The Post has learned.
Former Queens Councilman Hiram Monserrate and retired City College of New York professor Samuel Kleinplatz filed a civil rights complaint with the DOJ that also includes evidence of hateful graffiti and symbols including swastikas and “gas the Jews” found around the neighborhood over the last two years.
“This latest in a string of incidents in the area occurring subsequent to the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks in Israel, appear to constitute hate crimes motivated by religious bias against the Jewish community, and I request that the Department of Justice investigate this matter promptly to prevent further escalation and ensure accountability,” the Jan. 10 complaint states.
“We understand that these acts are a concerted effort by a group of individuals of which at least one resides here in Jackson Heights,” it said.
“Despite this matter being reported to local police numerous times, to date no arrests have been made.”
The complaint provides photos of a resident who resides on 80th Street, which the community activists believe to be involved in spreading the Jew hatred.
Some of the incidents cited in the complaintinclude:
- A large public menorah in Travers Park, at 34th Avenue between 77th and 78th Streets, being vandalized during Hanukkah in mid-December 2025. The menorah was affiliated with Chabad of Jackson Heights, Congregation Tifereth Israel.
- On Dec. 1, 2025, a swastika was seen carved into the sidewalk at 84th Street and Roosevelt Avenue — adjacent to the Jackson Heights Mural Project celebrating tolerance and diversity.
- On Sept. 22, 2025, coinciding with the Rosh Hashanah holiday, graffiti was found that said “Death (to) Zionists” around the corner from the Jackson Heights Jewish Center.
- Swastikas were sprayed throughout the area, including one on the garage door of a homeowner just before the Yom Kippur holiday in October 2024.
- An antisemitic vandal scrawled “Gas the Jews” inside a Q49 bus that runs through East Elmhurst and Jackson Heights in November 2023.
- On Sept. 13, 2023, graffiti was found on 37th Avenue and 83rd Street, saying “Fck Isrl” along with stickers that read “SLAP YOUR LOCAL ZIONISTS.”
“These incidents violate federal laws prohibiting interference with religious practices and property damage motivated by bias and create a hostile environment by intimidation and willful interference with the right to be housed within the community based on the protected characteristic of religion,” the complaint said.
“Similar acts in nearby areas, such as vandalism targeting Jewish schools and synagogues, highlight the need for federal intervention to address this disturbing pattern.”
The DOJ had no immediate comment.
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