The New York City Police Department is reportedly investigating the Dec. 15 vandalism of a menorah outside Tomchei Shabbos of Queens, N.Y., a Jewish food pantry, as a possible hate crime.
The New York Post reported that, according to police, a suspect approached a vehicle parked in front of the charity at about 3:12 pm and tore a Chanukah menorah from the vehicle’s roof, damaging the display. The menorah was valued at about $250.
A photo of the suspect shows a man clad in a dark-colored beanie, sunglasses, gray hoodie and black coat while carrying a dark bag.
Lynn Schulman, a member of the New York City Council, said that the “heinous act of antisemitism” took place in her district “and is being thoroughly investigated by the NYPD.”
She added that “these incidents are happening more frequently and are totally unacceptable.”