Gardaí treating anti-Semitic graffiti on two Louth roads as a hate crime

Anti-Semitic graffiti on two roads in Louth are being treated as a hate crime by An Garda Siochána. 

The graffiti was painted on the R165 and L1260 in Ardee. 

Gardaí said they received report of criminal damage to the road surface of the R165 at Shanliss near Ardee, and confirmed they are investigating the incident as a hate crime. 

The Gardaí said they take hate crime very seriously and encouraged any victims to report it. 

"Gardaí from the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau have a good relationship and engage with the Jewish community throughout Ireland on an ongoing basis and continue to liaise with the Jewish community at this time.

"An Garda Síochána also actively engages with representative and advocacy groups to support minority and diverse communities in Ireland."

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Louth County Council have condemned the vandalism and confirmed its operations team investigated both locations on 31 December and arrangements have been made to remove the graffiti as quickly as possible.

"The Council strongly condemns the use of antisemitic language or imagery in any form. Such acts are unacceptable and stand against our core values of equality and inclusiveness, and our commitment to fostering a respectful and welcoming community for all throughout County Louth."

Holocaust Awareness Ireland said the graffiti "repeats one of the most disturbing antisemitic caricatures deployed by the Nazis in pre war Germany"

It said there has been an obvious rising trend of antisemitic sentiment across Irish society including "all levels of Government and media."

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