An investigation is underway after “hateful, antisemitic” signs relating to Israel were displayed on a billboard along Interstate 94 on the border of Deerfield and Northbrook.
OUTFRONT Media said in a statement they were made aware that two of their billboards displayed “inappropriate and unapproved content” Wednesday evening.
“We take this matter very seriously. The copy, which was not approved or condoned by OUTFRONT or our advertisers, has been removed.”
The company said they were notifying “all appropriate local and national authorities.”
One of the billboards involved was located along the Edens Spur Tollway where it intersects with the Metra Milwaukee District North line, directly south of the Deerfield Lake Cook Road Metra station.
The billboard showed signs that said “F–k Israel” and “Death to Israel.”
U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider said in a statement he was aware of the “hateful, antisemitic billboard signs.”
“This disgusting, intimidating display has no place in the 10th District, or anywhere in America,” Schneider said.
The congressman said it is notable that the sign is located in a community with a large Jewish population, in close proximity to a Jewish day school and occurred at the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot.
“I have spoken with local police and reached out to the company that owns this billboard, calling for its immediate removal and an explanation of how it came to be posted. I will keep our community posted as we receive updates on this unfortunate matter,” Schneider said. In an update, he said that the content had been taken down.
The Village of Northbrook said the billboard company itself had not displayed the messages but did not confirm whether they believe the billboard was hacked.
“The Northbrook Village Board unequivocally condemns anti-Semitism and all acts of hate speech. We stand together with the Jewish community, family members, friends and neighbors. Northbrook is an inclusive community and welcomes all,” the village said.
The Jewish United Fund of Chicago said OUTFRONT Media believes they were hacked and have opened an investigation to learn how it occurred and who is responsible.
The vulgar messages were accompanied by “Paid for by MrBeast LLC.”
A spokesperson for MrBeast, a popular content creator, said MrBeast did not pay for the billboard.
Police were also called to the scene and are investigating.