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A Few Clouds Swastikas found at East Meadow High School
Parents, community concerned by behavior
Swastikas were discovered in an East Meadow High School classroom last week, sparking concern from district officials, parents, community members and students.
According to a letter sent to parents from high school Principal Richard Howard on Oct. 31, the swastikas were found Monday by students who quickly alerted staff, and the Nassau County Police Department’s 3rd precinct was notified. Detectives assigned to the case collected evidence and began an investigation.
“As always, we will work in concert with school district officials and the NCPD to assist in this process,” Howard wrote.
Members of the East Meadow community reported this wasn’t the first time something like this had happened, and that another instance of bias so close to home is alarming. Over the last few months, there has been an increase in hate symbols found in neighboring communities. At the end of July, two swastikas were found spray-painted on the playground of a Merrick elementary school, also sparking widespread community concern.
The perpetrators of the Merrick incident were juveniles from Bellmore and Freeport. Police detectives and parents believe the juveniles likely didn’t fully understand what swastikas represent, but nevertheless, their actions were still unacceptable.
On a community Facebook page for East Meadow parents, Michael Grant wrote on a Herald post that he felt a lot of kids were influenced nowadays by social media apps, like Tik Tok.
“I don’t think it’s a waste to bring it up to people’s attention here,” he said. “We can’t expect young people to already know the meaning of (an) antisemitic symbol or what it meant in the past. It doesn’t justify these actions.”
“Many ignorant people out there, especially the adults, that think this is OK to ignore,” Jackie Van wrote. “Kids will be kids, alright, but they should also have respect and if they do not know the severity, then they should be taught.... it must be addressed and there should be consequences.”
Eva Osher also said the “kids will be kids” excuse is not a justifiable reason for inciting hate.
“More education is needed,” she said. “Zero tolerance for this behavior — this is real news, nothing to do with politics or race. It’s about humanity. It’s a growing problem... always gets swept under the carpet. Those who do this should be disciplined and punished. There needs to be consequences.”
Janet Goldstein told the Herald she was a parent to East Meadow High School students in 2016, when there were a few instances of swastikas found at the school. She said they were drawn inside the cover of the 1960 memoir “Night,” by Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor, about his experiences in Auschwitz and Buchenwald, two Nazi German concentration camps. It’s a popular read in many high school English classes.
Goldstein said swastikas were also carved into lunchroom tables, and some students drew swastikas on their wrists, posting a photo online.
Hebrew high school students approached a rabbi, and he acted, she said, arranging a presentation about anti-Zionism and antisemitism, and how to recognize it and react to it.
“The principal at EMHS, Mr. Howard, was wonderful and sent out information to the parents about it,” she said. “Guidance counselors show up, teachers show up, administration showed up, our Hebrew high school students show up, and some marginalized communities showed up. Beyond that, no one else.”
Howard said the school was grateful the students who discovered the swastikas alerted staff immediately, but added that it was important that anyone with information about the incident comes forward.
“We urge anyone with information to please come forward either anonymously or by reaching out directly to an administrator, teacher, social worker, or member of our guidance department,” Howard wrote.
Howard said appropriate action will be taken.
“I ask all parents to understand that your assistance in disseminating this message to your children is vital for our school,” he said. “We share your frustration at even a single occurrence of such behavior, but we continue to believe that through partnership and education, progress will continue.”
