Bethesda Synagogue Target of Recent Vandalism Incident in MoCo

BETHESDA, Maryland – Congregation Beth El in Bethesda is the latest location to be the target of a series of vandalism incidents in Montgomery County.

On Tuesday, synagogue members were shocked to discover graffiti on the steps of the building and on their sign depicting hostages taken by Hamas in an October 7 attack in Israel.

The synagogue says this is the second time this has happened in less than two weeks.

“Vandalism is meant to instill fear, and we cannot be a community of fear,” said Greg Harris, senior rabbi of Beth El. “That misguided individual who thinks that vandalism in public spaces is acceptable speech is wrong.”

In the last two weeks, Montgomery County police have received eight calls about hate graffiti at synagogues, schools and businesses — but it's not just graffiti. Rabbi Harris says the Bethesda United Methodist Church across the street had its gay pride flag torn down and it's happening elsewhere, too.

Montgomery County police issued a statement Wednesday vowing to thoroughly investigate these incidents. Police also said they have increased patrols in the area.

No suspect has been identified at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact Montgomery County Police as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, Rabbi Harris is calling on the religious community to unite against these actions.

“This is a systemic problem that we are facing right now, but as a community we must stand together and say that these acts of hate are intended to intimidate and instill fear, and we will not be afraid,” he said.