Howell, NJ – Nine swastikas were spray-painted at a Howell park
frequently visited by members of the Jewish community, police said.
Police discovered the swastikas Monday at Echo Lake Park at 1205 Maxim
Southard Road after a citizen reported the vandalism and provided a picture to
police.
Howell police Detective Sgt. Christian Antunez, the police department’s
spokesman, said the swastikas were painted in white on wooden backboards and
benches in the horseshoes area.
That area is located approximately 300
feet from the roadway and parking lot, Antunez said.
The park is located just north of the border of Lakewood, which is home
to a booming population of Orthodox Jews.
Earlier this month, swastikas and other antisemitic
language were spray-painted at the playground of a Jewish school in Lakewood.
The vandalism found in the Howell Park likely occurred sometime last
week, Antunez said. The swastikas were painted over by members of the public
works department on Monday.
