MERCER ISLAND, Wash. — 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.
Mercer Island Mayor Salim Nice also issued a statement that said, "I am deeply disturbed by the anti-Semitic graffiti at a Mercer Island synagogue. Following the theft of the Israeli flag from our Jewish community center, this act of hate shakes the core of our values. We stand united against such bigotry and reaffirm our commitment to a community where respect and tolerance prevail."
"The first thing is it made me sick and fearful, this whole thing going on in Israel and Gaza, it's just been horrible. It's horrible for the Palestinians, it's horrible for Israelis," said Scott Mogil, a Mercer Island resident.
Mogil and his family have been members of the synagogue for over 12 years.
"Antisemitism has always been around…but not to this extent and this is what's really scaring me and concerning," said Mogil.
A statement from the Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation and the Jewish Community Relations Council said it has received widespread support following the incident.
"We are saddened and devastated to see the horrific expression of hatred against the Jewish people this morning at Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation on Mercer Island (HNT). This vandalism is a visual representation of the growing dehumanization of Jews and a stark reminder of the antisemitic bigotry and hatred increasing in our country today — the shockwaves from which are reverberating across our Puget Sound Jewish community.
"HNT is a sacred place of worship and gathering. A place where preschoolers learn their first Hebrew words, where our children become b’nai mitzvah, where couples begin their family journeys as they unite in marriage, and where the community gathers to grieve and remember loved ones who have passed. Just like any other religious institution, HNT should stand as a safe haven for the Jewish community. Words alone cannot express the hurt and expression of hatred that has now tarnished this holy place.
"Despite the vandals’ efforts, the support HNT has received from the Jewish community and our allies has been widespread. We welcome these expressions of solidarity. They strengthen our resolve to stand together and make sure that all of us can be safe in our houses of worship.
"HNT and the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle yearn for a time soon when lasting peace will be possible and a world where all Jews, Muslims, Israelis, and Palestinians can live in safety and freedom."
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.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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