Bethesda synagogue sign vandalized days after antisemitic messages found down the road

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. ( DC News Now ) – For the second time in a matter of days, antisemitic messages were found in Montgomery County.

The sign that stood at Congregation Beth El was removed Tuesday after someone vandalized it with hate speech. Similar antisemitic language was found just down the road at Bethesda Elementary School on Sunday.

“We support Israel and its quest for peace,” Congregation Beth El’s executive director, Heather Garrett, said.

That was the original message on a sign that was covered with antisemitic language at the synagogue. Garrett said it was heartbreaking to see the sign vandalized in that way.

“It’s unfortunate,” she said. “Especially since we really do support Israel’s quest for peace.”

The incident came only days after Bethesda Elementary School’s parking lot was vandalized.

“The language was consistent amongst the two incidents,” Garrett said.

She worries the threats could escalate to something more than words.

“There’s always a concern and we keep that in the back of our minds,” Garrett said. “Our security committee meets regularly and we are constantly evaluating risks.”

She believes the best way to prevent acts of hate is for the community to come together and have an open dialogue.

“The vandalism here, the vandalism at an elementary school, particularly the language that was used, that’s not helping anyone,” Garrett said. “It’s not supporting a cause, and we need to come together in a way that’s not destructive so that we can actually talk about the issues and make meaningful change.”

Garrett said their property has security cameras, but they didn’t catch who vandalized the sign.

The synagogue has filed a police report.

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