The Skokie Police Department is actively investigating two separate incidents involving antisemitic language that occurred at parks in the village over the weekend, both of which included groups of early teen and pre-teen youth, according to reports from the Village of Skokie and the Skokie Police Department.
In both incidents, youth reported being confronted with antisemitic language and comments that questioned their “natural origin or religious identity.” Each incident involved separate groups of youth, according to a Skokie Police Department news release.
On Friday, Skokie police responded to the first incident at Lorel Park, 8135 Lorel Avenue, involving an altercation with a female group of early teen youth in which members of one group reported that they were questioned by another group of youth on their national origin and religious identity, with further comments made about their appearance.
The female youth being confronted later reported that the opposing group also “threw woodchips” at them and pulled their hair. One individual was reportedly struck with an open hand on her leg, according to the news release.
On Saturday, Skokie police were notified of a separate incident that occurred earlier in the day at Central Park, 9350 Central Park Avenue, involving a group of early teen youth from the Jewish community who reported being addressed with antisemitic language while playing a game of basketball in the park.
One youth later reported being punched and having their necklace damaged after the dispute escalated, per the news release.
According to the report, police have contacted the youth involved in the incident at Lorel Park and officers are in the process of identifying the youth involved in the Central Park incident on Saturday.
Skokie Police Sergeant Brandi Shelton told the Pioneer Press the investigation remains active with no further updates.
On Sunday, the Village of Skokie posted a statement to their website in regards to the two youth altercations, stating that officials were made aware of the two separate incidents by Skokie Police and the Skokie Park District.
“The Village of Skokie takes these incidents very seriously,” the statement read. “Behavior that targets individuals based on religion, ethnicity, national origin or identity is unacceptable and does not reflect the values of our community.”
“We are committed to ensuring that all residents feel safe, respected and supported,” the statement continued.
Following a Pioneer Press request for comment on the two incidents that transpired over the weekend, a spokesperson referred back to the Village’s official statement issued Sunday.
But these events are not the first instances of antisemitic language being directed at youth in Skokie public parks.
Approximately six months ago, a similar encounter occurred at Shawnee Park, 3730 Lee Street, where antisemitic language was directed at youths playing basketball from an opposing youth group.
Alongside hateful language, gel pellets were discharged towards the confronted teens during the encounter.
Previous reporting stated that the Oct. 7 Skokie incident also took place on the first day of Sukkot, a Jewish holiday, and the incident was later classified by the police department as a hate crime.
As of Oct. 22, officials reported that Skokie police responded to the scene, identified all parties involved and subsequently filed a police report. The investigation has since been completed and the case closed, per the announcement.
Officers noted at the time that because the juveniles were underage, the department could not “publicly disclose” what corrective actions were being taken related to the minor who discharged the gel pellets. The Illinois Juvenile Court Act takes a “restorative approach to cases involving minors,” according to a prior department news release.
In response to the ongoing hostility and prejudice directed at Skokie’s Jewish community, the village announced it would be hosting a community gathering on Tuesday, April 21 at 5 p.m. at Central Park.
Representatives of the Jewish community, alongside community partners, will gather to provide support for all residents and “reinforce our shared commitment to inclusion and respect,” the announcement stated.
Josina Morita, Cook County commissioner for the 13th district, which includes Chicago’s North Side and several North Shore suburbs, shared a flyer announcing the gathering to her social media on Sunday.
“After two incidents of violence against Jewish children in Skokie parks this weekend, and six months after the October 7th attack in Shawnee Park, Village leaders invite the community to gather in solidarity with our Jewish neighbors, and in support of a Skokie where every child of every race, religion, and identity, feels safe in our shared spaces,” the post read.
Skokie police are asking anyone with information relating to the incidents that occurred on Friday and Saturday to contact the Skokie Police Department at (847) 982-5900.
The 24-hour Skokie Crime Tip Hotline is 847-933-TIPS (8477). Text-A-Tip is available 24 hours a day by texting “Skokie” and your tip to 226787.
