Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — The Youngstown Police Department has confirmed that it is investigating an incident in recent weeks in which antisemitic imagery was spray painted in a parking deck in the city.

Capt. Jason Simon of the detective division would not narrow down the time frame when the incident occurred other than to say that it happened “within the last several weeks.”

The Youngstown Area Jewish Federation issued a news release Wednesday stating that the federation’s security team has been in “close contact with and continues to share intelligence with local law enforcement.”

The release added that “Charges related to the antisemitic imagery are pending” and that the federation’s security staff “is now reviewing and sharing our camera footage with Youngstown Police to identify the perpetrator(s). As always, the safety and security of our community remains the highest priority, and there is no evidence of any credible threats at this time.”

The release stated that the federation also learned that antisemitic imagery was spray painted on a sign in Columbiana, adding, “There is no place for such imagery in our society, regardless of political beliefs.”

The release states: “Antisemitic imagery promotes hatred and discrimination against Jewish people and has the potential to incite violence. Antisemitic incidents in the U.S. have skyrocketed in recent years. It must end now.”