The latest high-profile example in a frightening rise of racist and antisemitic vandalism hit Brooklyn this week, when two swastikas and pro-Trump graffiti were found on a playground in Adam Yauch Park, named for the Beastie Boys member who passed away four years ago. City Councilman Brad Lander tweeted a photo and directly linked the Nazi symbols with the President-Elect, saying, "Yet more hatred & anti-Semitism from Trump supporters.”
This morning at an anti-hate rally in the park, Beasties member Ad-Rock and his wife, punk legend Kathleen Hanna, joined with fans to speak out against the vandalism, defining Yauch's pacifist legacy and condemning the hate.
“Spray painting swastikas in a children’s playground is a messed-up thing to do,” he said. “And for many of us, it has special meaning, because this park is named for Adam Yauch, who was my friend and bandmate for over 30 years. But he was also someone who taught non-violence in his music, in his life—to all of us, and to me.”
Aside from showing up on this cold day, fans showed support by sporting home-made signs like "No! Hate! In Brooklyn," modifying the classic Beasties line for the occasion. They also left flowers and paper hearts over the graffiti, which is set to be painted over this evening.
