Lawn signs were removed and damaged over the weekend. [Updated]

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford Police have confirmed that they are actively investigating an incident that occurred over the weekend, when “We Stand with Israel” signs at well over a dozen homes in town were removed from private property, and in many cases cut into pieces and stuffed into storm drains.

Capt. Aaron Vafiades said Tuesday that the reported incidents occurred mostly in the north end of West Hartford, and has been reported and is being actively investigated.

“One of my signs was stolen and was thrown into a sewer,” said resident Ari Schaffer, who leads the grassroots “Greater Hartford for Israel” organization that has been holding weekly marches in West Hartford calling for the release of the hostages held in Gaza.

Pro-Israel signs stuffed into storm drains in West Hartford. Courtesy photo

Schaffer said he checked with his neighbors and other members of the grassroots organization, some of whom also had been affected, and asked them to look through any video footage that may have been recorded and report any available details to the police.

Most of the damage appeared to have been done during Saturday afternoon, when the Sabbath was being observed, Schaffer said.

“I am deeply disturbed by the recent vandalism and destruction of ‘Stand with Israel’ and hostage signs in West Hartford,” Mayor Shari Cantor said.

“This kind of targeted action has no place in our community and is contrary to the values of respect, tolerance, and inclusion that define us. I have asked the West Hartford Police Department to fully investigate these incidents and hold those responsible accountable,” Cantor said. “West Hartford stands united against hate in all its forms, and I encourage anyone with information to come forward and assist in this investigation.”

“It is disconcerting that people are being targeted,” said Schaffer. He said it’s worrisome that someone “decided to plan their afternoon destroying property.”

Surveillance images shows a man discarding signs in trash barrel. Courtesy photo

“It’s just hard to believe that in West Hartford we have such vandalism and antisemitic acts occurring in our neighborhoods,” said Dr. Gayle Harris, a member of the Board of Education who is running for Town Council and lives in the area of town – near King Philip Middle School and Aiken Elementary School – where the signs were damaged.

Schaffer said this is the second time in recent history that a blatantly anti-Israel act has taken place in West Hartford, referencing the January 2024 vandalism of a LaSalle Road building during a pro-Palestinian rally. A West Haven man was ultimately found and arrested a month later, but the charges were later dropped.

“I’m hoping this time there will be consequences,” Schaffer said.

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