More antisemitic graffiti found across 2 parks in Queens, 1 week after another vandalism spree

QUEENS, New York (WABC) -- Swastikas were discovered in two different parks in Queens on Mother's Day, one week after hateful graffiti was also plastered throughout the borough.

Alex Augustyniak has seen some beautiful birds here at the Highland Park Ridgewood Reservoir, but what he noticed on Sunday should never take flight.

He called 911 immediately after finding a swastika painted on the fence.

"I was disgusted. It's not something I've ever really seen around here. I was really disappointed," said Augustyniak, a bird watcher.

Officials report Mother's Day in Queens began with half a dozen swastikas spray-painted around Highland Park.

Police said another six were discovered along the bridle path at Forest Park, right under the overpass.

English Teacher Alex King walks in the area every day but was stopped in his tracks when he saw image after image along the columns.

He called 311, 911, and even went to the precinct. By the time he returned from school, the hateful symbols were gone.

"So I was happy that it was all cleaned up, that when I was coming back on my way home now it looks like they painted over, I didn't want anybody else to, like, see it," King said.

One week ago, in Forest Hills and Rego Park, similar acts of vandalism were spray-painted at synagogues and private property, including a home.

Police released images of the young men they are seeking.

A rally was held on Sunday condemning the antisemitic acts.

"New York City is witnessing the dangerous normalization of Jew hatred," a protester said.

The city and residents have been quick to remove the hurtful symbols, but so far, no arrests have been made.

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