Anti-Semitic vandalism was 'an attack on the entire community', group says

The response comes after recent anti-Semitic vandalism in Lakewood and Howell.

FLORHAM PARK - Officials from the Anti-Defamation League's New Jersey region are calling the recent anti-Semitic vandalism that was recently found in parks and in playground equipment in Monmouth and Ocean Counties "despicable" and "an attack on the entire community."

Nine swastikas were found spray-painted on the backboards, pictured above, and benches near the horseshoe area in Echo Lake Park. (Courtesy of Howell police)Alex Napoliello | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com 

Spray-painted swastikas and the words "Hail Hitler" were discovered on playground equipment at Yeshiva Kate in Lakewood on Aug. 25 and then four days later several swastikas were discovered spray-painted on benches and recreation equipment at Echo Lake Park in Howell Township on August 29.

The park is located just north of the border of Lakewood, which is home to a booming population of Orthodox Jews.

"We are deeply concerned over anti-Semitic vandalism that has plagued communities in Lakewood and Howell Township," Joshua Cohen, the regional director of ADL New Jersey, said in a release. "The appearance of swastikas and anti-Semitic messages on public property are searing and serve as another sobering reminder that New Jersey is not immune to anti-Jewish sentiment."

The ADL commended the Lakewood and Howell Township police departments for promptly addressing the incidents and said it offered its resources to both townships.

However, Cohen said more needs to be done.

"These despicable acts of vandalism represent an attack on the entire community," he said. "We urge members of the community to speak out and make clear that these acts of hate are unacceptable and have no place in our community."

The ADL said its annual audit of both criminal and non-criminal acts of anti-Semitism in New Jersey tracked a 28 percent increase in anti-Semitic incidents across the state in 2015.

Rob Spahr may be reached at rspahr@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheRobSpahr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Anti-Semitic vandalism was 'an attack on the entire community', group says