PUTNAM VALLEY – Antisemitic signs have appeared in the quiet town of Putnam Valley, prompting a law enforcement investigation and condemnation from local and state officials.

The municipality of some 11,000 residents issued a statement on behalf of the community: “Hate speech will not be tolerated in our town.”

State Assemblyman Matt Slater, who represents constituents in five of Putnam’s six towns including Putnam Valley, described the signage as being “disturbing and unacceptable.”

Slater said he was “outraged and disgusted by the signs. Let me be absolutely clear: Antisemitism has no place in Putnam Valley, in our Hudson Valley communities, or anywhere in New York State.  Jewish residents should be able to live and practice their faith without fear of harassment or intimidation.”

Putnam Valley Councilman Christian Russo also addressed the alarming graffiti, saying he was “deeply troubled by signs that have hateful, antisemitic comments appearing around our town. This kind of rhetoric is unacceptable and has no place in our town or anywhere in our society. Putnam Valley is a community made up of people from different backgrounds, faiths, and walks of life. We may not always agree on everything, but we should always treat each other with dignity, respect, and compassion.”

County Executive Kevin Byrne also reacted to the vandalism: “Let me be perfectly clear: There is no room for antisemitism in Putnam County. I stand with our brothers and sisters in the Jewish community. Putnam County welcomes people of all backgrounds and faiths, who are free to worship and pray as they choose, where they choose.”

The Sheriff’s Department is investigating the incident.



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