NEW YORK — Hundreds of community members, interfaith leaders, and elected officials gathered Tuesday evening, October 29, 2026, outside the Forest Hills Jewish Center in Queens. The rally was a powerful display of unity and defiance, held just hours after the synagogue had been defaced with antisemitic graffiti during a hatefueled rampage on Monday morning. The air was thick with a mixture of anger and solidarity, as speakers denounced the acts of bigotry and pledged collective action against rising hate. This event in Forest Hills resonated across Queens, including the neighboring community of Howard Beach, where similar concerns about rising antisemitism have taken hold. Details of the Vandalism and Immediate Aftermath The Forest Hills Jewish Center, a prominent institution on 108th Street, discovered hateful symbols and derogatory language spraypainted on its facade and entrance. Security cameras captured an individual committing the acts around 3:00 AM on Monday, October 28. Staff immediately contacted the NYPD Hate Crime Task Force, who quickly responded to process the scene and initiate an investigation. The vandalism caused significant damage to the property and deep distress within the congregation. "It's a disheartening moment for our community, but we will not be intimidated," declared Rabbi Mendy Wax, spiritual leader of the Forest Hills Jewish Center, addressing the crowd at the rally. "We stand together, stronger than any hateful act." Voices of Unity and Resilience The rally featured an array of speakers, each condemning the attack and advocating for peace and tolerance. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. addressed the crowd, emphasizing the borough's commitment to diversity. "An attack on one faith community is an attack on all of us," President Richards stated, receiving a thunderous applause. "Queens is a mosaic of cultures and beliefs, and we will protect that heritage against any form of bigotry." Representatives from the Howard Beach Jewish Center and the Howard Beach Civic Association were also present, offering their support and discussing strategies to combat similar threats in their own neighborhood. The shared experience fostered a sense of boroughwide unity. For additional resources, see . Increased Security and Community Vigilance In the wake of this and other recent incidents across the city, the NYPD has increased its presence around religious institutions throughout Queens. This includes heightened patrols in areas with significant Jewish populations, such as Forest Hills and Howard Beach. Deputy Inspector Thomas Conforti, commanding officer of the 112th Precinct, reassured attendees of the NYPD's commitment to safety. "We are deploying additional resources and will work tirelessly to bring the perpetrators to justice," Conforti confirmed. "Our community partnerships are vital in these efforts." Community watch groups in Forest Hills and Howard Beach are coordinating efforts, sharing information, and encouraging residents to report any suspicious activity. The focus is on proactive measures to prevent future hate crimes and ensure community safety. Educational Outreach and Interfaith Dialogue Beyond immediate security concerns, community leaders are emphasizing the importance of educational outreach and interfaith dialogue as longterm solutions. Several organizations announced plans for joint events designed to foster understanding and combat prejudice. The Forest Hills rally concluded with a candlelight vigil, a poignant moment of reflection and a collective prayer for peace. The powerful display of unity served as a beacon of hope against the shadows of hate. Learn more about in Queens. Frequently Asked Questions About the Forest Hills Synagogue Vandalism and Rally Many residents are asking about the status of the investigation into the vandalism. The NYPD Hate Crime Task Force is actively investigating the incident at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and processing forensic evidence. No arrests have been made as of October 29, 2026. How can people in Howard Beach show support? Howard Beach residents can show support by attending interfaith events, participating in community watch programs, and reporting any hatemotivated incidents to the NYPD. Donations to help repair the damage to the synagogue can be made directly to the Forest Hills Jewish Center. Is there a greater threat to synagogues now? The NYPD has acknowledged an uptick in antisemitic incidents citywide and has increased patrols around all religious institutions in response. This proactive measure aims to deter further acts and ensure the safety of all congregations. This rally served as a strong statement that such acts will not be tolerated.
