BLOOMFIELD TWP. (WWJ) -- Police are investigating at the Jewish Federation of Detroit in Bloomfield Township, after the building was defaced with antisemitic graffiti, early Monday morning.
"Well, it's very disturbing here," reported WWJ Newsradio 950's Charlie Langton, who was first on the scene, along Telegraph Road, near Maple.
"I'm looking at graffiti painted in red paint, basically saying 'Free Palestine intifada, which means a rebellion, and F Israel, you can guess the rest of it, spray-painted on the Jewish Federation of Detroit; that's one of the largest supporters of Jewish people in Metro Detroit."
There are no suspects in custody at this time.
"The Bloomfield Township police, they are here. They're taking a report, reviewing video. and the people that I spoke with here at the Jewish Federation; they believe this is an obvious hate crime," Langton said.
**Editor's note: The following video contains footage of spray-painted profanity. Viewer discretion advised**
The Jewish Federation of Detroit released the following statement about the incident:
"We are deeply disturbed and saddened to report that early this morning the offices of the Jewish Federation of Detroit were the target of antisemitic vandalism. This attack, occurring on the anniversary of the October 7 massacre in Israel, was not only an assault on our physical space but also on the heart of our community. It is a stark reminder of the rising tide of hate affecting the Jewish people, here and around the world.
"We unequivocally condemn this cowardly act of vandalism and stand firm in our resolve. It will not deter us from our vital mission to support the people of Israel, combat antisemitism, and foster a strong Jewish future. In the face of these challenges, we remain united and resilient, committed to defending our values and protecting our community.
"We are grateful for the support of our local community, partners, and allies during this difficult time, and we thank local, state, and federal law enforcement for their efforts. - Gary Torgow, President, Jewish Federation of Detroit Steven Ingber, CEO, Jewish Federation of Detroit"
Several Metro Detroit-area communities are investigating incidents of antisemitism this week, as Monday marks one year year since the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, which sparked the ongoing Israel Hamas war.
In Washington Township. Macomb County Sheriff deputies responded to a neighborhood of 26 Mile Rd. and Mound Rd. over the weekend for a "suspicious situation," and investigators found antisemitic leaflets.
Farmington Hills Police and West Bloomfield Police said their officers found about 100 bags filled with antisemitic flyers around their communities on Saturday.
The Oakland County Sheriff's Office said it, along with its law enfocement partners, is "aggressively" investigating multiple instances of antisemitic flyers being distributed across the county — including in neighborhoods in Rochester Hills and Commerce Township.
“More hateful things overnight," Sheriff Mike Bouchard said in a statement Monday. "We suspect much of this coming from outsiders. I have been very clear on this topic, but it bears repeating: If you come at our Jewish community, or for that matter anyone in our Oakland County community, we will stand in front of them to protect them and we will come for you.”
Stay with WWJ for the latest on this developing story.
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