Rabbi of Vandalized Rockville Synagogue: ‘It’s Horrifying’

A synagogue in Rockville was vandalized March 28.

Swastikas and hate-based words were spray painted on Tikvat Israel Congregation, which is located on Baltimore Road, according to Montgomery County Police.

During the early morning hours of March 28, a suspect drove to the synagogue’s parking lot and painted the derogatory messages. The suspect can be seen on surveillance camera as he vandalized the property.

In the one minute and 19-second video, the suspect, who is wearing a hat, can be seen spray painting several areas of the building.

According to Rabbi Marc Israel, the spray paint was removed Sunday.

“It’s horrifying, the level of hate that exists,” he said.

Following the incident, neighbors taped a painting on the synagogue door that reads, “You R Loved.”

The synagogue is closed due to COVID-19, but some members walked by and noticed the vandalism, Israel said.

Anyone with information about the 1:28 a.m. March 28 incident should contact the 1st District Investigative Section of the MCPD at 240-773-6089.

For those who wish to be anonymous, Crime Solvers of Montgomery County is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest of the suspect. Their number is 866-411-8477.

About Suzanne Pollak

Suzanne is a freelance reporter with Montgomery Community Media. She has over 35 years professional experience writing for newspapers, magazines, non-profit newsletters and the web.

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