Antisemitic graffiti at Jewish Federation of Detroit the latest attack on Jews in Metro Detroit

BLOOMFIELD TWP, Mich. (FOX A2) – The Jewish Federation of Detroit reports that it was targeted in antisemitic vandalism on Monday, just a few days after more than 100 families in West Bloomfield Township and Farmington Hills woke up to find antisemitic material tossed at their front door.

The Max Fisher Federation building on Telegraph Road near Maple was targeted with messages of “Free Palestine”, “Intifada”, and “f*** Israel”. 

Gary Torgow, President, Jewish Federation of Detroit Steven Ingber, CEO, Jewish Federation of Detroit issued a statement saying that the timing of the messages was intentionally lined up with the one year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel.

“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,” the statement read. “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.”

The spray painting was discovered Monday morning just after families nearby found hateful messages on their front lawns in Farmington Hills and Bloomfield Hills. Those antisemitic messages were inside bags with some kind of pellets that were tossed on the front lawns of homes overnight Friday into Saturday. 

“The timing of this detestable activity exacerbates the chilling effect on our community,” said Farmington Hills Police Chief Jeff King. “This type of hateful activity will not be tolerated in Farmington Hills and our agency will use all available resources to prevent, investigate, and prosecute those responsible for this incident.”