North Shore Hebrew Academy High School’s online homepage was flooded with anti-Semitic images, slurs and songs in an apparent cyber attack at around 4 p.m. on Dec. 14. Stopantisemitism.org, a website focused on exposing anti-Semitism tweeted during the attack “Nazi songs, imagery, messages continue to be posted. They have also leaked students’ and teachers’ addresses and credit card information.” The website also released images and video of the attack, which they posted to their Twitter page.
The following morning, Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder released a statement to the media.
“The Nassau County Police Department commenced an investigation into disturbing and malicious communications that involve online attacks against our Jewish community,” Ryder said in a statement. “These attacks will never be tolerated and I have assigned extra resources due to these anti-Semitic remarks and threats. We continue the investigation collaboratively with the FBI at this time.”
Several Nassau County officials issued statements following the news of the malicious attack.
“I am disgusted by the anti-Semitic online attack on the North Shore Hebrew Academy,” Nassau County Executive Laura Curran said in a statement. “There is a zero tolerance policy for anti-Semitism or any kind of bigotry in Nassau County. We will never accept anyone being abused or intimidated in this county because of who they are.”
Curran urged the community to reach out to the Nassau County Police Department if they have any information regarding the cyber attack.
“Nassau County PD is investigating this incident, and I urge anybody with helpful information to reach out the Police Department,” Curran said.
Nassau County Legislator Ellen W. Birnbaum (D-Great Neck) also released a statement reiterating how this “brazen hatred must never be tolerated or allowed to fester in our community—especially when our children are the intended victims.” Birnbaum wrote. “As law enforcement professionals continue their efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice, let us remember the spirit of the season and commit ourselves to dispelling the darkness of hatred with the light of our words and deeds.”
Rabbi Michael White from Temple Sinai of Roslyn released a statement saying the Temple is pledging their support and solidarity.
“We, your brothers and sisters in faith, state that an attack on any of us is an attack on us all,” White wrote in his email blast.
“We pledge our support and extend our solidarity. We are grateful to our public leaders who have spoken out forcefully and to our friends in law enforcement for pledging to bring the perpetrators to justice. The Talmud records the decision of the House of Hillel: Each night of Chanukah we add another candle to our menorah, increasing the power of its light and elevating its sanctity. This is the strength of Jewish resilience and confidence. We do not let the bigots and racists diminish us. Together, we vanquish hatred with the growing light of our faith and our commitment to our Jewish future.”
The Nassau County Police Department is asking those who may have information regarding the cyber attack to call Crime Stoppers at 516-244-TIPS. All calls will remain confidential.
