Shliach Unfazed by Swastika Scrawled on Driveway
The rabbi who learned someone drew a swastika on the driveway of his home expressed gratitude to his neighbors who helped. And while he characterized the swastika as an indicator of hate, he said the incident does nothing to change his belief that Hunterdon is a warm and caring community.
Rabbi Eli Kornfeld of Chabad of Hunterdon learned his neighbors took pictures of the swastika they found drawn in white chalk in the driveway of his home. They erased the drawing, and then gave the photos to Kornfeld who brought the photographs to police headquarters and filed a report.
“I think they were very sensitive,” Kornfeld said about his neighbors, speaking by phone on Aug. 13. “They took pictures so there would be a record of it because they didn’t want my wife to come (see it) or my kids to be rattled, and that was very kind and sensitive of them.”
“It’s a great and wonderful group of neighbors, and I have a great friendship and relationship with all of them,” said Kornfeld, who has led the Chabad since 2003 and was recently appointed by Gov. Chris Christie to serve on the New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education.
The Clinton Township Police report that described the incident did not identify the victim, but after The Democrat contacted Kornfeld, he said the symbol was drawn on his driveway.
Kornfeld said he was in town on July 30 when the incident happened sometime between 8:30 and 11:45 a.m., but he did not indicate whether he or his family were at home at the time.
“I hope it’s an isolated act,” said Kornfeld, said. “I’ve lived here for 10 years and have never experienced one iota of anti-Semitism towards me or just in general.”
He said that since living in the area, has only had “positive experiences in and around Hunterdon County.”
“One person doing one act doesn’t reflect the greater community,” he said. “Never the less, it’s one person’s act and it’s just a reminder we have more work to do and every person should spread and promote tolerance and love and not hate any person, group, religion or creed.”
“No act of hate against anyone should be tolerated,” he said.
The Hunterdon Interfaith Outreach Council was formed as a way for churches and synagogues to work together on areas of common interest. Rev. Harry Mazujian of Calvary Episcopal Church in Flemington, who is an active member of the council, said he was aware of what happened to Kornfeld and that he has been in contact with rabbis in the county about it.
He too said he hopes it was an isolated incident.
“I heard the neighbors did support the rabbi and certainly the religious community does as well,” said Mazujian.
“Any hate crime like this is not appropriate anywhere, much less in our county,” Mazujian said.
The Clinton Township Police Department is investigating the matter as a bias intimidation incident, normally a fourth-degree offense which carries a maximum term of imprisonment for a conviction of 18 months and a maximum fine of $10,000.
