Mercer Island, WA – A Mercer Island synagogue was vandalized Wednesday morning as tensions continue nationwide amid the Israel-Hamas War.
Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation members found messages including “Shame” and “Shame on Israel” around the building early Wednesday.
The Mercer Island Police Department was called to the synagogue to investigate. Now the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will lead the investigation, according to police.
Seattle, WA – appalling antisemitic graffiti was discovered at Herzl-Net Tamid Confregation, just across the street from the Jewish Community Center (JCC).
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) November 22, 2023
Among the phrases were “Shame on Israel”, “Shame”, and “Stop Killing”.
This is nothing short of pure and grotesque… pic.twitter.com/yZzx2DkT1V
By my count this is now the 14th Jewish institution targeted by antisemites in the Seattle metro area since Oct 7 pic.twitter.com/xMbO6kynpj
— Ari Hoffman (@thehoffather) November 22, 2023
This incident comes as four Seattle synagogues have recently received suspicious packages that have prompted evacuations and hazmat responses.
“Have more love, more light and stop trying to scare Jewish people in the greater Seattle area, cut it out,” Levi Levitin, a rabbi for Chabad Capitol Hill & Central District, recently told KING 5.
There were no reports of any injuries or property damage at any of the Seattle locations, however.