Synagogue In Racine Targeted With Anti-Semitic Graffiti

RACINE, WI — Local leaders are condemning the actions of a graffiti artist who used a can of red spray paint to deface a synagogue with antisemitic symbols over the weekend in Racine.

According to the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle, board members at Racine’s Beth Israel Sinai Congregation, 3009 Washington Ave., discovered the hate symbols as they were entering the synagogue Sunday for a board meeting. “It was totally shocking,” Rabbi Martyn Adelberg said of the incident.

Racine Mayor Cory Mason condemned the actors on Monday afternoon, issuing the following statement:

“It’s deeply disturbing that this horrendous act was committed the week before Jewish people will celebrate the High Holy Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, which are intended to be a time of reflection and celebration," he said in a statement Monday afternoon. "This is a clear act of hate, and antisemitism of any kind has no place in our City. I hope the congregation at Beth Israel Sinai knows that this ignorant act is not reflective of the inclusive community Racine strives to be. It is my hope that the perpetrator of this crime will swiftly be brought to justice and atone for their actions.”

Likewise, Congressman Bryan Steil (R-Janesville), condemned the actions of the yet-unknown suspect:

"Anti-Semitism has no place in our country. The perpetrators must be found and held responsible. I stand with Racine's Jewish community against these hateful acts."

Local authorities are asking for the public's help to gather more information about who may have spray painted the symbols. To share information, contact the Racine Police Detective Bureau at 262-635-7756. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 262-636-9330.