2nd Avenue Deli on the Upper East Side – a well known, though not glatt kosher delicatessen – became a target of vandalism on Monday, with culprits spraying it with a swastika. The incident, which coincides with the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, has led many, including the co-owner of the deli, to believe that the hostilities may have incited the malicious act.

Jeremy Lebewohol, co-owner of the iconic kosher deli, expressed his distress to 1010 WINS’ Marla Diamond on Tuesday. Highlighting the graffiti that also included the phrases “Homeland Security” and “Israeli Pride,” he said, “It’s always upsetting, but given the current global events, it feels like individuals with such hatred feel even more emboldened.”

The 2nd Avenue Deli, which also has a branch in Kips Bay, shared an image of the disturbing graffiti on their Instagram, captioning it with a powerful message: “Thank you for reminding us that we are on the right side of history. This isn’t just about land or Israel. This is not merely a conflict involving all Jews globally. It’s fundamentally a battle between good and evil.”

The NYPD’s 19th Precinct is actively looking into the incident at the deli, located at the intersection of First Avenue and 75th Street.

Lebewohol said, “This is a stark reminder for every Jew and non-Jew in New York about the lingering hatred in our society. It’s essential we continue our lives undeterred by this hatred and stand united against it.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)