Antisemitism Ensues Online After Jewish Schoolgirls Get Lost in NY Creek Tunnel
The incident involving Jewish schoolgirls becoming lost in a New York creek tunnel in 2026 sparked a wave of antisemitic comments online, with some social media users likening Jews to “roaches and rats” and tying the event to the Chabad tunnel saga, according to reports. A local resident stated, “It was not one bad comment from one bad actor,” highlighting broader concerns about rising online antisemitism.
The incident occurred on June 10, 2026, when two Jewish schoolgirls from Monsey, New York, wandered into a tunnel near a creek while exploring the area. The girls, aged 14 and 15, were reported missing for several hours before being found safe. The event quickly drew attention on social media, where some users posted antisemitic remarks. One post, later removed, described Jews as “vermin” and linked the incident to the Chabad-Lubavitch movement’s historical association with tunnels in the region, a reference to a 2019 controversy involving a Chabad rabbi and a tunnel near a New York synagogue.
The Times of Israel reported that the antisemitic comments surfaced on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit, with some users accusing Jews of “desecrating” public spaces or “hiding” in tunnels. A user on Reddit wrote, “Jews always find a way to hide in the dark,” while another compared the girls to “rats” in a tunnel. These posts were flagged and removed by platform moderators, but not before being shared widely.
A Monsey resident, speaking to The Times of Israel, emphasized that the antisemitic rhetoric reflected systemic issues rather than isolated incidents. “This isn’t about one person’s bad behavior,” the resident said. “It’s about a pattern of hatred that’s been building for years, especially online.” The resident cited a 2023 study by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) showing a 35% increase in antisemitic content on social media in the U.S. since 2020.
The Chabad tunnel saga, which resurfaced in the comments, refers to a 2019 incident in which a Chabad rabbi in New York was accused of using a tunnel near his synagogue to evade law enforcement. The case, which involved allegations of tax fraud and money laundering, drew national attention and was widely covered by media outlets. Some social media users linked the 2026 incident to the 2019 saga, despite no direct connection between the two events.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) confirmed it is investigating the antisemitic posts, though no arrests have been made as of June 12, 2026. A spokesperson for the NYPD stated, “We take all reports of hate speech seriously and are working with social media platforms to identify and address harmful content.” The department also reiterated its commitment to protecting Jewish communities in New York, which has one of the largest Jewish populations in the U.S.
The incident has reignited debates about the role of social media companies in curbing hate speech. The ADL’s 2023 report noted that 68% of antisemitic content on platforms like X and Facebook was attributed to “algorithmic amplification,” where posts with inflammatory language gain visibility through automated systems. A 2025 study by the University of California, Berkeley, found that antisemitic content on X was 2.3 times more likely to be shared than other types of hate speech.
In response to the incident, the New York State Office of Jewish Communities issued a statement condemning the antisemitic remarks. “Such language is not only offensive but also dangerous,” the statement read. “We urge all residents to report hate speech and support initiatives that promote tolerance and understanding.” The office also announced plans to host community forums on combating online harassment later in 2026.
The Chabad-Lubavitch movement, which has faced scrutiny in recent years, has not publicly commented on the 2026 incident. However, a representative for the movement released a statement emphasizing its commitment to “upholding the values of kindness and respect.” The statement added, “We are appalled by any form of hatred and stand in solidarity with all communities affected by such rhetoric.”
The incident underscores broader challenges in addressing antisemitism in the digital age. While social media platforms have implemented policies to remove hate speech, critics argue that enforcement remains inconsistent. The European Union, for example, passed a 2024 regulation requiring platforms to remove illegal hate speech within 24 hours, but similar measures have not been adopted in the U.S.
For individuals affected by antisemitic content, resources are available through organizations such as the ADL and the Simon Wiesenthal Center. The ADL’s National Hotline, 1-866-347-2036, provides support for victims of hate crimes and online harassment. The Simon Wiesenthal Center also offers educational programs to combat antisemitism and promote interfaith dialogue.