Antisemitic Graffiti Found In North Bethesda Investigated By Police

NORTH BETHESDA, MD — Montgomery County police are investigating antisemitic graffiti with the words “Club Aryan Excellent” and a swastika that was found under a bridge in North Bethesda, according to reports.

The graffiti was found under a bridge on Josiah Henson Parkway, which goes over a bike path near Tildenwood Drive.

Montgomery County police initially responded to the scene on Sunday in a response to a report of hate-based vandalism, MoCo360 reported. A police officer returned to the scene on Monday to take photos and cover up the graffiti, according to the report.

Police said they have no suspects in the incident.

“We are deeply disturbed by the racist and antisemitic message found under a bridge of Josiah Henson Parkway in North Bethesda, MD,” the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington said in a statement. “This hateful rhetoric has no place in our society. Our community will continue to stand strong and resilient in the face of hatred, racism, and antisemitism in all its forms.”

The federation said it is “working closely with our security team and Montgomery County Police Department to keep our community safe and learn more about this incident.”

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Montgomery County Councilmember Kate Stewart, who represents North Bethesda, said she has been in touch with police, which is investigating "this hate vandalism."

Residents can report similar incidents to MCPD at 301-279-8000 as soon as they are seen, she said.

Several organizations in Montgomery County received grant awards this summer to combat hate crimes as part of the state’s Protecting Against Hate Crimes program.

The Protecting Against Hate Crimes program provides $5 million to nonprofit organizations in Maryland, including faith-based organizations, with facilities and membership that can be targeted for a hate crime to provide security enhancements. The funding can be used to support equipment, personnel and physical security enhancements.

Montgomery County has seen a rise in antisemitic and racist incidents over the past year. County officials have made a point to condemn each act, including graffiti in communities and schools, and have called on residents to do what they can to stem the rise in incidents.

Antisemitic graffiti was found in November 2022 along the Bethesda Trolley Trail. Also, antisemitic graffiti was found at Old Georgetown Road and Tuckerman Lane that included a swastika and symbols for white power.

RELATED: Nonprofits Receive Grants To Combat Hate Crimes In Montgomery County