Vandals Spray Anti-Semitic Graffiti on Scarsdale Store Windows

(Updated) The Scarsdale community was shocked by anti-semitic graffiti sprayed on the windows of two stores in the Golden Horseshoe Shopping Center around 4 am on January 25, 2024. The Shopping Center sits on the border between Scarsdale and New Rochelle on Wilmot Road and is across the street from the JCC of Mid-Westchester. One of the tenants is a kosher grocery store. The incident was recorded on the shopping center’s video cameras and took place at 4 am.

Suspects used black spray paint to paint the words “Genocide Supporters” on the windows of the Scarsdale Scoop Shop and Cheryl’s Closet. Both stores had signs that read “We Stand with Israel” in their windows. The word “supporters” was misspelled. A video of the incident was posted on the social media site X. You can see it here:

The images were shared quickly across social media.

Westchester District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah And New Rochelle Police Commissioner Robert Gazzola issued the following statement: “The New Rochelle Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office are investigating reports of antisemitic graffiti found on storefronts at the Golden Horseshoe shopping center in New Rochelle this morning. We understand the unsettling atmosphere of fear across all impacted communities and the safety of our residents and businesses remains a top priority for law enforcement. We have zero tolerance for hatred and bias in Westchester and we will use the full force of the law to hold perpetrators accountable and keep our communities safe.”

An ice cream meet-up to demonstrate support for the Jewish community was scheduled for 4 pm on January 25 at the Scoop Shop.

Rabbi Jonathan Blake of Westchester Reform Temple in Scarsdale had this to say: “Today, we should be celebrating Tu B’Shvat, a joyous holiday marking new beginnings in the natural world. Instead, it is with anger and sadness that we once again confront hateful speech attacking Israel and the Jewish people. As many in our community are likely already aware, last night, shops in the Golden Horseshoe were vandalized with anti-Semitic slurs. We condemn this hate crime perpetrated against our local businesses and our entire community."

"As we stand in solidarity with our congregation, our Scarsdale/New Rochelle community, and our brothers and sisters in Israel, we want to share with you multiple opportunities to find comfort and strength in community through prayer, learning, and action."

"Today at 4:00 pm, the Scoop Shop, one of the vandalized stores, will be hosting an ice cream meet-up to demonstrate that hate has no home in Westchester. Bring your children and your Israeli flags. County Executive George Latimer, as well as members of our WRT clergy, will be present.”

Cantor Chanin Rosen from Scarsdale Synagogue said, “We just learned that several business in the Golden Horseshoe across from the JCC of Mid-Westchester were vandalized overnight. We are horrified and heartbroken that antisemitism and anti-Zionism have reared their ugly heads so close to home. Incidents like this one raise anxiety about being Jewish in our world today.”

The Property Manager for the shopping center said, “Last night a hate crime was perpetrated at the Golden Horseshoe Shopping Center. Antisemitic messages were spray painted on two store fronts. We are working with the local police department to address the crime. Due to this incident, we are providing security in our center to ensure the safety of our customers, employees and store owners. Hate has no place in the Golden Horseshoe.”

And a local resident said, “I am horrified to realize that such blatant anti-Semitism exists in our midst. I hope the perpetrators will be found and held accountable.”

Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest released this statement at 12:45 pm on Thursday: "As Mayor of Scarsdale, I unequivocally condemn the recent acts of antisemitism and the deplorable vandalism at the Golden Horseshoe Shopping Center. These actions, though they technically occurred over the border in New Rochelle, have cast a shadow over our community, raising concerns and fears among our residents. Such behavior is not only unacceptable, it also goes against the core values of our community. We, in Scarsdale, stand together in denouncing these acts of hate and intolerance."

"This incident transcends mere property damage. It's a grave reminder of the persistent issue of antisemitism rearing its head anew in our society. The vandalism is not just an act of defiance but a reflection of a dangerous trend of hate and misinformation, and a reminder of past dark times. We must be forthright in confronting and challenging these acts and the false narratives that accompany them. In this context, it's critical to remember and acknowledge that Hamas alone had expressed intentions of genocide in this conflict. This fact should not be overlooked or forgotten in our discourse and actions."

"Recognizing the broader picture of hate and misinformation, it is essential for us to combat all forms of prejudice and bigotry. Our community must remain vigilant against any and all sources of hatred. We must continue to promote peace, understanding, and respect for everyone, irrespective of their background. And as always, should you see anything suspicious, please report it to the police."

"In light of this event, I have been in touch Mayor Ramos-Herbert of New Rochelle and plan to join her at the Golden Horseshoe this afternoon at 4pm along with other concerned residents. Our united front will be a powerful symbol against antisemitism and a testament to our commitment to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all our citizens. Let's work together to eradicate hatred and foster a community where diversity and tolerance are not just accepted but celebrated."

"I must also thank our partners in other levels of government, George Latimer, Shelley Mayer, Amy Paulin, and Judah Holstein for reaching out this morning and sharing their support. County Executive Latimer shared the following, “Such hatred as expressed in this act cannot be tolerated in Westchester County. We will work with law enforcement to address this manifestation of hate.”

State Senator Mayer added, “I am deeply disturbed by the overt acts of antisemitism and vandalism at the Golden Horseshoe. It’s absolutely unacceptable and I am hopeful law enforcement quickly apprehends those responsible and they are held accountable. This act is not reflective of the community we call home. But we will not be silent when these acts occur. These acts clearly targeted our large and vibrant Jewish communities in New Rochelle and Scarsdale. I stand fully united with them and we will not be intimidated by acts of violence such as these.”

Assembly Member Paulin expressed, “The hateful act of antisemitism found today at the Golden Horseshoe Shopping Center is reprehensible and will not be tolerated. Our community is still reeling from the Oct. 7 terrorist attack, and still suffering from the knowledge that more than 100 hostages are still being held captive. That struggle has been compounded by an incessant rise in antisemitism everywhere - in our institutions of higher learning, at children’s sport games, and now this. Make no mistake, antisemitic acts such as this are a threat to our entire community, and to Jews everywhere. Racists know no boundaries. That being said, we cannot be intimidated by this hateful vandalism. We need an immediate investigation including a thorough review of the video in the area. We cannot allow acts such as this to be normalized, and I will never, ever, waiver on standing up to acts of antisemitism or hate of any kind in our community.”

County Legislator Holstein remarked, “I am horrified to see Jewish-owned businesses in my own neighborhood vandalized in a manner that evokes the darkest chapters of history. It evokes memories of the stories my grandmother told of stores marked with Jewish stars in 1930s Poland. It's shocking that some in our community justify this by conflating antisemitism with criticism of Israel's policies. This attack achieves nothing except spreading fear, division, and hate. As a lifelong member of this diverse community, I condemn this blatant act of hate and call on the community to work towards a future where such intolerance has no place. We must stand together and protect the values that make Westchester special. I stand with each of you and as your County Legislator am here to serve as a resource in whatever way I can. Please reach out to my office if I can support you.”

Scarsdale Police Report

Burglary
On Jan. 17, a caller reported an Axtell Drive house had been burglarized.

Stolen
A Greenacres Avenue resident reported over $4,000 in funds had been stolen from his crypto account, by a hacker, Jan. 19.

Graffiti
On Jan. 17, a caller reported graffiti “on public fencing on Hutchinson Avenue.” Police observed graffiti on a sound barrier associated with the Hutchinson River Parkway and notified Westchester County police.

Missing student
On Jan. 19, patrol responded to Scarsdale High School regarding a missing 16-year-old student. Patrol spoke to the parents of the missing child, who used the application “Find my IPhone” to locate their child’s phone at the Scarsdale Library. Patrol responded to the Scarsdale Library and located the missing boy, who was sitting outside. The parents of the boy responded to the Scarsdale Library and were reunited with their child.

Help
Police checked on a Walworth Avenue family after one of the family members was not able to reach anyone residing at the house Jan. 15. Everything was determined to be in good order.

A River Road resident requested a welfare check of a woman who allegedly parks her car on street and who is suspected of being homeless Jan. 16. He was concerned because of very cold temperatures and associated dangers. Police went to the street and did not see the woman or her car.

Police conducted a welfare check of a Myrtledale Road resident at the request of a caller Jan. 17. The resident was fine. He said he knew the caller and did not wish to have any contact with him.

At a mother’s request, police checked the welfare of her Archer Lane daughter Jan. 17.

Concerns
On Jan. 17, a caller from an apartment on Garth Road in Eastchester stated someone was “trying to throw his son off the roof of his building.” The caller was transferred to Eastchester police.

On Jan. 17, while traveling south on Post Road by Edgewood Road patrol observed a man walking north in the right northbound lane of Post Road. Patrol stopped and advised the man to use the sidewalk. After continuing south patrol noticed the man continue to walk in the lane of traffic. At that point, patrol turned around and approached the man. It became apparent that the man did not speak English and only spoke Mandarin. The man was identified via his Employment Authorization Card and a database search indicated that the man was wanted by the NYPD. Notification was made with NYPD's Warrant Section who stated they would not be picking him up. The man provided police with his sister’s phone number. Police called her and she picked up the man from headquarters. The man’s sister was unsure of how he ended up in Scarsdale.

A homeless man was asked to leave a Popham Road stairwell Jan. 18.

Police transported a homeless person from East Parkway to a homeless shelter Jan. 18.

Civil matter
On Jan. 20, a customer reported an incident with a Christie Place dry cleaner. She said she left a jacket to be cleaned, but when she picked up the jacket, she found additional stains. The business attempted to correct the problem unsuccessfully. The business refunded her payment and offered additional services to correct the problem. The woman retrieved her jacket from business and said she would attempt other means of “fixing” the jacket.

Cars and roadways
A parked car was blocking a School Lane driveway Dec. 17. Police issued a parking citation.

Police helped drivers with disabled cars on Mamaroneck Road and Post Road Jan. 19.

Police notified the public works department about a large pothole on Heathcote Road and Morris Lane Jan. 20.

On Jan. 20, a speeding driver on Post Road fled from police. Police tracked him down and issued summonses for speeding, failure to obey a police officer and other infractions.

On Jan. 21, a driver drove his truck on a Palmer Avenue field “because of the weather,” he said. Police advised it was not appropriate.
Three car accidents were officially reported in the Village this week.

Animals
A lost dog was reunited with its owner on Chesterfield Road Jan. 15.

A boy left the door of his Richbell Road house open, and the family service dog went outside and got shut out accidentally Jan. 21. A neighbor called police. Patrol went to the house and then confirmed that a passerby helped the dog get back inside the house.

Video surveillance showed that a possible rabid fox was sighted on Dickel Road Jan. 21.

On Jan. 21, a Lincoln Road mother requested help with an animal. On scene, the mother stated that her kids’ guinea pig, “Peanut,” passed away. She requested assistance with placing his remains in a box, so that she could take him to the vet to be cremated. Police offered words of consolation, placed “Peanut” in a shoebox in a dignified manor, and then placed the box in the trunk of the mother’s vehicle. No further police action was required.

Village code
Police removed an illegally posted sign in the Village right of way on Crane Road and issued a summons Jan. 19.

Lost and found
A Parkfield Road man reported losing his wallet and its contents while running errands Jan. 15. Later, he received a call from someone who found the wallet, and it was returned.

Keys were found on the ground at Brewster and Chesterfield roads Jan. 21. Police vouchered them for safekeeping.

Firefighters
On Jan. 16, grease burned inside a Tunstall Road oven, creating smoke. Firefighters confirmed the fire was out and there was no extension.
Firefighters assisted at a three-car accident on the Hutchinson River Parkway Jan. 17.

Firefighters assisted a Cooper Road resident with a water leak that affected electrical components inside the house Jan. 19.
A fireplace flue did not properly open inside a Post Road house, and this caused smoke to fill the room. Firefighters extinguished the fire and helped remove the wood.

Firefighters shut down a malfunctioning dryer in a Carthage Road house and advised the resident to seek service Jan. 21.

This report covering police and fire department activity from Jan. 15-21 has been compiled from official information.

This police report is sponsored by Scarsdale Security who does more than just security. Contact them about remote video for your home or business. Call 914-722-2200 or visit their website.