Resident tips lead to arrest for antisemitic vandalism in Highland Park, police say

Highland Park police arrested a juvenile on Tuesday, May 23, for allegedly defacing a trash can with antisemitic content.

Local authorities on Friday, May 19, began investigating vandalism — including a swastika — formed on the can with blue painter’s tape.

According to a Facebook post from a Highland Park resident, the can is located in the Hybernia neighborhood — which is just south of Half Day Road and west of U.S. Route 41 — and is used to feed swans in an adjacent pond.

Police are crediting residents for providing information that four days later led to the arrest of a juvenile and a charge of vandalism, according to a release from the City of Highland Park.

No further information related to the arrest was immediately available.

Following the discovery of the vandalism, Mayor Nancy Rotering issues a statement condemning the act.

“I am appalled and disturbed to learn about the antisemitic graphic pasted on a garbage can in the northern part of Highland Park,” Rotering said in her statement. “This act of hatred, bigotry, and cowardice has no place in our community. I condemn it in the strongest terms possible.”

Highland Park consists of a significant Jewish population. Demographic organizations have reported that between one-third and one-half of the city’s residents are Jewish.

A report from the Anti-Defamation League found that antisemitic incidents in 2022 rose 35 percent over 2021, when such incidents were already at record highs.

The Record is a nonprofit, nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism.

Subscribe to The Record to fund responsible news coverage for your community.

Already a subscriber? You can make a tax-deductible donation at any time.