REPORT: NY Hate Crimes up 69% since 2019

As you stand in a Jewish Cemetery along Mt Stuart Road in Rotterdam, headstones can still be seen knocked over, cracked and laying on the ground.

"I could see one two three four five six seven eight just by standing here," saidMarc Gronich. "Its gut wrenching you know it really is gut wrenching."

It's been three months since the more than 50 headstones were reported knocked over.

MORE:Rabbi: 50+ gravestones knocked over 'attack on all of us,' police investigate vandalism

Rotterdam Police said they are investigating this as a felony-level crime that could bring criminal mischief and cemetery desecration charges.

Police say a group of teenagers sometimes use the cemetery to pass through the area.

With no arrest or updates announced so far, Rotterdam Police said on Wednesday they could not comment as this is still an open investigation.

But many like Gronich are waiting for accountability, calling this act of vandalism a hate crime.

"They didn't spare anyone they went from all the way in the back where children are buried to the front," said Gronich. "If it looks like a hate crime and if feels like a hate crime it must be a hate crime."

A hate crime is an offense that is motivated by a perception or belief about the victim’s race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or another protected characteristic.

On Wednesday New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapolireleased a new report on Hate Crimes in New York.

The report states over the last five years, hate crimes have increased by 69%.

Most attacks are against Jewish, Black, and Gay Male New Yorkers.

According to the report last year-- religion was the most common motive, and 88% of religious-based hate crimes targeted Jewish victims.

While Comptroller DiNapoli points out some Government responses and initiatives, Gronich says he wants to make sure officials and police are keeping this specific incident on the top of their list.

"I want the elected officials to get fired up like I am I want them to be as aggravated and focused on this because a lot has been going by the wayside," said Gronich.