Baltimore County Police Investigating Antisemitic Graffiti at Jewish Cemetery

The Baltimore County Police Department is investigating an incident of antisemitic graffiti at a Jewish cemetery in the Pikesville area. The graffiti, which included swastikas and other hateful symbols, was discovered by cemetery staff early on Wednesday morning.

According to a statement from the police department, officers responded to a call from cemetery staff around 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 21st. Upon arriving at the scene, they found multiple instances of graffiti on headstones and other cemetery areas.

The incident has been condemned by local Jewish organizations and community leaders, who have expressed their outrage and disgust at the hateful act. “This is a despicable and cowardly act of antisemitism,” said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. “We stand with the Jewish community in Pikesville and across Baltimore County in condemning this heinous act.”

The Baltimore County Police Department has launched an investigation into the incident and is asking anyone with information to come forward. “We take incidents of hate and bias very seriously, and we will do everything in our power to bring those responsible to justice,” said Baltimore County Police Chief Melissa Hyatt in a statement.

The incident has sparked outrage and concern among members of the Jewish community in Baltimore County, who are calling for increased vigilance and security measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Community Comes Together to Condemn Antisemitism

In the wake of the antisemitic graffiti at the Jewish cemetery in Pikesville, the community has come together to condemn the hateful act and show their support for the Jewish community.

Local organizations and community leaders have issued statements denouncing the incident and expressing their solidarity with the Jewish community. “We will not tolerate hate and bigotry in our community, and we stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters in condemning this vile act,” said Rabbi Steven Schwartz of Beth El Congregation in Pikesville.

Community members have also come together to support and assist the Jewish community, including volunteering to help clean up the graffiti and offering to provide security and surveillance at the cemetery.

“We are heartened by the outpouring of support from the community, and we are grateful for the efforts of the police department to bring those responsible to justice,” said Rabbi Andrew Busch of Baltimore Hebrew Congregation.