The Sullivan County Legislature has publicly condemned antisemitic graffiti recently discovered on a sidewalk in a busy Monticello shopping area. The message, which read “Jews did 9/11,” was reported by the Sullivan County Coalition Against Antisemitism and described by officials as both offensive and criminal.
“Such a falsehood is both repugnant and concerning,” said Legislature Chair Nadia Rajsz in a statement. “Whoever did this also committed a crime, and no one in our community should shrug it off as harmless. As this Legislature has noted before, we want our communities to be peaceful and welcoming, and we will continue to work with the Jewish community to ensure they feel safe wherever they are in Sullivan County.”
The graffiti incident is the latest in a series of antisemitic acts in the region. Earlier this month, Orthodox Jewish individuals in Woodbourne and South Fallsburg were reportedly targeted with thrown eggs. The Town of Fallsburg Police Department arrested and charged three individuals from neighboring Ulster County in connection with those assaults.
In response to rising concerns, the Sullivan County Coalition Against Antisemitism was recently formed by a group of ten local synagogues and Jewish congregations. The Coalition aims to raise awareness, counter bigotry, and educate the public about the impact of antisemitism.
Local officials say they will continue to support the Coalition’s mission and work collaboratively to ensure that Sullivan County remains a safe and inclusive place for all residents.
Image Credit: Sullivan County Government