NEW YORK — A 14-year-old boy has been arrested for allegedly vandalizing a menorah earlier this month near Gracie Mansion on the Upper East Side.
Police said the boy knocked over the 100-pound menorah at Carl Schurz Park. Police had said the menorah toppled on purpose on the nights of both Saturday, Dec. 5 and Sunday, Dec. 6.
The teen was charged with criminal mischief and a hate crime. He reportedly told police he knocked over the menorah because he was bored.
The menorah was re-erected and relit on Monday, Dec. 7. Mayor Bill de Blasio was on hand to re-light the menorah and said it’s important to stand up for what’s right.
“This is the epitome of who we are because even when confronted by hatred, by division, we stand up, we show our strength, we show our resilience, de Blasio said last week.
There are no video cameras to watch over the menorah in Carl Schurz Park, but neighbors and the NYPD will do just that.
