Police: 7 swastikas found spray-painted in Clifton’s Dunney Park

Clifton residents tell News 12 New Jersey that they are outraged over the incident. They say that the one thing that makes Clifton great is the diversity.

Matt Trapani and Nick Meidanis

Jun 22, 2023, 2:15 AM

Updated 478 days ago

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Authorities in Passaic County are investigating an incident where seven swastikas were painted around a park in Clifton. That park is sandwiched between two Jewish schools.
Clifton residents tell News 12 New Jersey that they are outraged over the incident. They say that the one thing that makes Clifton great is the diversity.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office says that the vandalism was found in Dunney Park on Cherry Street Wednesday morning. The swastikas were painted on park benches, trees, a portable toilet and the blacktop.
There is a Jewish high school on one side of the park and a college on the other where students study the Talmud.
City Manager Nick Villano issued a statement on behalf of the mayor and Clifton City Council.
“We are outraged by these cowardly acts, and we apologize to our Jewish community for having to endure. Clifton is one of the most diversified communities in the State of New Jersey, we embrace all people, and we respect the individual’s right to be free from discrimination,” Villano wrote.
The incident came on the same day Clifton made headlines for being one of the best cities in the nation, in part because of its diversity.
Anyone who might have information about the vandalism is urged to call the Passaic prosecutor’s tip line at 1-877-370-PCPO or email tips@passaiccountynj.org.