Police Probe Vandalism at 2 Jackson Jewish Institutions as Bias Crimes

JACKSON, N.J. (VINnews) — Police in Jackson Township are investigating two incidents targeting Jewish organizations as bias crimes, including repeated vandalism at a nonprofit facility and antisemitic graffiti left during a break-in at a Jewish school.

The first investigation involves three separate acts of vandalism at the Chai Lifeline facility on County Line Road, where windows at the Jewish nonprofit’s building were intentionally damaged, police said. Authorities said the repeated targeting of the organization led investigators to classify the incidents as suspected bias crimes.

The second case stems from a burglary at the BMG facility on South Hope Chapel Road. Police said seven people unlawfully entered the school, stole property, caused extensive damage and wrote antisemitic and anti-Black messages on classroom blackboards and other areas inside the building.

Investigators have identified suspects in the school case but have not released their names because the investigation remains active.

“There is no place in our community for crimes motivated by hatred, prejudice or intolerance,” Police Chief Mary Nelson said in a statement, adding that such acts create fear beyond the individuals and organizations directly targeted.

The department said it has increased patrols around Jewish institutions, other sensitive locations and areas of concern throughout the township while the investigations continue.

Police asked anyone with information about either case to contact the Jackson Township Police Department and urged residents to report suspicious activity immediately. Anyone charged in connection with the incidents is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.