The investigation into anti-Semitic, racist and vulgar graffiti that was discovered at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School last weekend is continuing, according to reports. The graffiti was spray painted on the exterior walls of the high school but was removed late Saturday night.
Dov Ben-Shimon, executive VP/CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest, posted photos of the graffiti on his Facebook page immediately after Shabbat.
“We’re deeply shocked and offended by the vile racist and hate-filled graffiti that was found on the wall of Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School,” Dov Shimon wrote. “The Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ has reached out to the Scotch Plains police, who are investigating. We’re grateful for their service in protecting the community. Federation has also contacted Homeland Security and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office. We understand that this is being treated for now as a bias crime. Words and symbols of this kind are evil, shameful and stand in opposition to all that we value.”
On Tuesday, Dov Shimon added an additional post. “None of this is ok. None of it. Hate speech builds and breeds more hate speech. You don’t keep quiet in the face of evil. You confront it. You shine a light on it. You object. You speak out. You don’t stay silent.”
This is the second recent incident in Union County involving swastikas. Another was discovered at Franklin Elementary School in Westfield, reportedly etched by a student.