Upstate New York Man Proudly Displays Swastikas on Car

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has revoked specialized emergency medical technician license plates from a Bergen County man after his vehicle was spotted with swastikas, a move that prompted swift backlash across state lines.

On Monday, August 18, the DMV confirmed that the EMT plates on a gray Cadillac owned by Closter resident John Kanjiram were rescinded following a complaint filed by New York Assemblyman Kalman Yeger. The state issued him standard plates in place of the EMT ones.

Earlier this month, the advocacy group StopAntisemitism drew public attention to the car in a post on X, showing the Cadillac adorned with two white swastikas and advertising Kanjiram’s website, which shares antisemitic content and conspiracy theories. The plates were clearly visible in the photos.

“Spotted on Lockwood Street in Closter, NJ - car w/an EMT license plate, proudly displaying vile antisemitic hate. Imagine experiencing a medical ER … and this is the person responsible for your care, while you're wearing a Star of David necklace,” the group wrote.

In a letter sent to Yeger, DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder confirmed the cancellation of the plates.

“The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is appalled by the hate speech portrayed on the vehicle in the images accompanying your correspondence,” he wrote on August 12th. “DMV abhors antisemitism in all its forms.”

Yeger welcomed the decision, saying, “I deeply appreciate the quick action of DMV personnel, particularly Commissioner Mark Schroeder, to rectify what could have become a dangerous situation — a vehicle adorned with hate imagery while bearing the appearance of licensure as an emergency-use vehicle.”

According to New York’s Health Department, Kanjiram’s EMT certification expired in 2015 and was never renewed.

“He was certified as an emergency medical technician in New York from 2011 to 2015, but his certification expired after the final year and has not been renewed,” spokeswoman Monica Pomeroy said Monday.

Kanjiram responded to the DMV’s move on his blog, writing to Yeger: “you can keep my EMT Plates ...You’re the definition of evil. How are you still in government?”

Authorities in Closter launched an investigation after the images of the vehicle circulated widely. Police Chief James Buccola reported last week that Kanjiram had since taken down the swastikas voluntarily. Neighbors also said the Cadillac was vandalized with a neon-green Star of David, which police confirmed is also under investigation. Buccola noted on Monday that both matters remain open.

The incident has sparked strong criticism from officials in North Jersey, including Closter Mayor John Glidden and Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-Tenafly.

“To say it’s disgusting is an understatement,” Gottheimer said. “This blatant act of antisemitism and vile hatred has no place in North Jersey or anywhere in America. This incident must be investigated and unequivocally condemned.”

Meanwhile, in another blog post, Kanjiram claimed he had been confined in a hospital after placing what he called “God’s Symbol” on his car. Expressing distress about being separated from his family, he wrote: “There is nothing I want more than a hug from my family, but the laws of man are currently misaligned with GOD’S LAWS and I’m not allowed to go home or communicate with my wife.”

Federal hate-crime data released this month underscores the broader climate as anti-Jewish harassment hit record highs last year, accounting for 69% of all religion-based hate crimes in the United States.

Upstate New York Man Proudly Displays Swastikas on Car