Hate in the Hamptons reared its ugly head last week when swastikas and other antisemitic graffiti were discovered in Montauk’s Shadmoor State Park. This was the second incident of antisemitic vandalism in the area since October. Rabbi Josh Franklin of the Jewish Center of the Hamptons expressed his heartbreak, but not shock, at the hateful rhetoric found in the park. He noted a sense of violation in the community and mentioned that he has faced derogatory comments in the past due to events in Gaza.
In response to the hateful expressions, an impromptu rally was organized by Rabbi Franklin, where he urged the crowd not to bow to gaslighters trying to downplay antisemitism. Longtime residents of the Hamptons expressed both anger and determination to fight against the intimidation and hate. The incident last week marked the second time antisemitism had rocked Montauk in little over a year, with last year’s vandalism at Jewish-owned businesses as well.
The East Hampton town police handed the investigation over to the state police, who are leading the inquiry into the vandalism at Shadmoor State Park. The Town of East Hampton Supervisor, Kathee Burke-Gonzalez, condemned the hateful acts as devastating and heartbreaking, emphasizing the community’s strength in standing together against hate. A previous “Stand with Israel” rally in July had a strong turn out and unity was stressed as a key component in combating antisemitism.
One resident, Charlotte Klein Sasso of Amagansett, expressed shock at the recent antisemitic incidents, noting that the Hamptons she knew didn’t have space for hate. She invoked her Holocaust-survivor father’s beliefs in standing up and speaking out against hate, emphasizing unity as the way to address the issue. As the community looks towards the public events around Hanukkah, it is expected that more people, both Jewish and non-Jewish, will come together to show unity and strength.
Rabbi Franklin shared a timely message for Hanukkah, noting that even in the face of hatred and intimidation, the Jewish community will continue to spread light. He invited non-Jewish individuals to join in the mission of kindling spiritual light and standing with Jewish communities against darkness. The holiday season is seen as an opportunity to unite, educate, and combat hate, further solidifying the community’s resolve to stand together in the face of antisemitism.
