Swastikas and slurs target Jewish house of worship, igniting statewide outrage and intensified security response.
Police are investigating antisemitic vandalism discovered Tuesday morning at Shaare Tefila Congregation in Olney.
Officers from the Montgomery County Police Department responded around 8:00 a.m. after reports that unknown suspects spray-painted antisemitic phrases and symbols on signs outside the synagogue sometime overnight between February 9 and 10. Authorities are canvassing the area, reviewing surveillance footage, and increasing patrols to reassure the community.
Images shared online showed a swastika and inflammatory slogans scrawled across banners promoting unity. The defacement has heightened anxiety within Maryland’s Jewish community amid a broader spike in antisemitic incidents nationwide.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich condemned the vandalism, calling it appalling and reaffirming county investments in nonprofit security grants, expanded policing, and hate-bias reporting systems.
Wes Moore also denounced the act, labeling it antisemitic and anti-Israel, and stressed that ensuring safety in places of worship remains a top priority.
The incident follows prior threats and vandalism targeting Jewish institutions across Maryland, including schools and museums. Law enforcement officials say they are committed to identifying those responsible and holding them fully accountable.
