#Man charged with leaving anti-Semitic note on Manhattan assemblywoman’s office

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Assemblywoman Rebecca Seawright’s Manhattan office was vandalized with anti-Semitic messages.
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An Upper East Side man was charged with leaving a vulgar anti-Semitic note outside a state lawmaker’s Manhattan offices, officials said.

Karan Aggarwala, 53, was arrested Wednesday and charged with harassment, criminal trespass and making graffiti for splashing white paint outside state Assemblywoman Rebecca Seawright’s legislative offices on Aug. 11 and leaving the hateful note, police and the legislator’s office said.

The lurid message made a sexual reference and alluded to Jewish stereotypes.

Police said Aggarwala was also accused of making a threatening phone call to Seawright’s office, saying he would slash the lawmaker’s tires.

“I wish to thank the NYPD Hate Crimes Unit and the commanders and officers of the 19th Precinct and the NYS troopers,” Seawright said Thursday. “We will not be intimidated by anti-Semitism or bigotry of any kind. I look forward to justice being served in this hateful incident.”

The incident also drew a sharp rebuke from Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who called it a “cowardly act” that he said “is antithetical to New York’s values.”

“New York has zero tolerance for hate and we will do everything in our power to hold those responsible accountable,” Cuomo said on Twitter.

The anti-Semitic incident came in the wake of a “virtual town hall” sponsored by Seawright that featured several state Jewish leaders and focused on combating anti-Semitism.

Aggarwala was released without bail and is due back in court Nov. 17.