LYNNFIELD — Residents are outraged following the discovery of anti-Semitic graffiti Wednesday at Glen Meadow Park.
Town officials were alerted to the hateful vandalism that morning. It included a swastika, the name “Hitler,” and an obscene image.
In the days that followed, residents condemned the images on social media, with many expressing their disgust that a town park could be defaced in such a way.
“I’m so disgusted and disappointed … again,” wrote one user, Heather McDonald Rose.
“So disheartened to see another act of hate in town. My family and many others died under this symbol,” added Kathryn Ramer Price. “The second time this year that the use of this symbol has happened — and only one month ago was (there) the use of a slur to young children in an awful encounter at MarketStreet. This has to stop!”
Another user, Tracy Miller Geary, called the vandalism “absolutely disgusting,” while Susan Mantarazzo Abrego had a simple query.
“What is wrong with people?” Mantarazzo Abrego said, adding: “I am so disappointed that these actions occurred in our town.”
While the community continues to react, Select Board Chair Dick Dalton added his own thoughts about the matter on Friday.
“We are better than this and the proof of that is the reaction in the community,” he said. “People are really disturbed by it. Whether it be the town or the state or the country, you can’t judge based on a very, very small minority. There are too many people in this town who are genuinely upset by these incidents of the last few weeks.
“The bottom line is this is inexcusable behavior and will not be tolerated in the town of Lynnfield.”
Police were immediately notified of the incident. After the scene was documented by police, the Department of Public Works painted over the offensive images.
In a statement released by the town that day, town officials said they were confident that the Police Department would identify the perpetrator(s), and hold them accountable.
“The town of Lynnfield will not tolerate hate speech and discrimination and, as town officials we condemn all acts that would seek to glorify the unspeakable atrocities committed under the Nazi regime against the Jewish community and other groups and those who would attempt to extend its legacy of hate,” the statement said.
Wednesday’s incident continues a string of hateful, race-based crimes in the town. Last month, two young brothers were verbally assaulted at MarketStreet with the “n” word. Other racial slurs were hurled at the boys after a failed attempt to steal their candy.
“I know that family (of the victims) and it is a wonderful family, but nobody is deserving of that, nobody,” said Dalton. “It’s shameful, as children don’t grow up with this hate being a natural thought process. It’s inherited, and shame on those parents.”
Last summer, “Black Lives Matter” signs were stolen from the homes of multiple residents. Vandalism accompanied some of the thefts. After an intensive investigation, a father and son were arrested and charged under the hate crimes statute.
The latest crime is under investigation. Police are asking anyone with information about this week’s incident to call the Police Department at 781-334-3131.
“We continue to state in the strongest terms possible that these shameful acts are unacceptable and are contrary to all we stand for as a community,” the town statement said. “We thank the residents of Lynnfield for standing together against such acts in the past and pledge we will continue to stand with you to uphold the values of tolerance, acceptance and unity that the town of Lynnfield holds dear.”
