A swastika was discovered on a Highland Park playground slide a day after Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish year, leading to condemnations from city leaders in a community that is half-Jewish.
According to a city news release, city police responded to an incident of antisemitic vandalism in a public park on Tuesday afternoon. A resident had discovered a slide defaced with the symbol.
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Park District personnel responded “immediately to remove the graffiti,” and both the police and district are investigating the incident. Police have instituted a “close watch” on parks and houses of worship, “out of an abundance of caution,” the release said.
Mayor Nancy Rotering noted the timing of the incident: as families “move from the solemn reflection of the High Holy Days into the joyful preparations for Sukkot,” they are faced with “an act of hate” during a “time centered on reflection, unity and renewal.”
She warned of rising antisemitism “not only across the world, but here at home,” calling for the community to stand together.
“We will not be intimidated, and we will not be silent,” Rotering said. “Hate has no home in Highland Park.”
According to the release, the city, Park District, and other partners collaborate to share information and take “proactive public safety measures,” including joint training exercises and “regular communication between staff.”
The city holds quarterly meetings with Highland Park clergy, calling it an “important forum for two-way dialogue” that builds “a strong foundation for collaboration and trust during incidents such as this,” the release said.