Hateful antisemitic graffiti was found scrawled in blood red ink on the wall of a Brooklyn elementary school.
The missive — which read “F–k the Jews. Free Palestine” — was written on a white wall behind what appears to be an outdoor chess table at P.S. 197 – The Kings Highway Academy in Midwood, according to a photo posted on X Wednesday by local Councilwoman Inna Vernikov.
“Speaking of antisemitism in schools – our office JUST got a complaint about this graffiti at PS197,” Vernikov wrote, referring to Schools Chancellor David Banks being grilled during a congressional hearing Wednesday over his response to antisemitism in K-12 schools amid the Israel-Hamas war.
Banks delivered defiant testimony before a panel of 14 lawmakers, insisting his administration was dealing with anti-Jewish hate in an “appropriate fashion.”
“I can’t state that I can prevent every incident, from ever happening, but … once it is brought to our attention … we respond in an appropriate fashion,” he said.
“All forms of hate have no place in our public schools. And New York City public schools have been aggressive in fighting hate wherever it has reared its ugly head.”
Vernikov followed the initial X post with an update, saying “A bit of pressure and exposure does wonders,” as she noted the city Department of Education was working with the NYPD to “get to the bottom of this.”
“I thank them for their swift response,” Vernikov wrote.
“Let’s hope this also translates into swift action and accountability for students and teachers who violate DOE’s policies and code of conduct.”
Acts of antisemitism have been widespread across the city since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel.
Students rampaged at Hillcrest — which sent the Jewish teacher cowering in a locked office for hours — the Big Apple public school system has also been rocked by a citywide student walkout calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and allegations of heinous antisemitism at Brooklyn’s Origins High School, among other incidents.
