Police are investigating after graffiti saying “Hate Jews” was discovered at a synagogue in Vernon Hills, with a rabbi calling the antisemitism incident a “cowardly” act.
The Congregation Or Shalom said antisemitic graffiti was spray-painted on a wall in the parking lot of the building, located at 21 West Hawthorn Parkway in Vernon Hills.
The words “Hate Jews” appeared on the wall and the incident was reported to the Vernon Hills Police Department.
The synagogue says they are working with law enforcement and security partners to investigate.
“This act of hate is painful, especially as we prepare for the High Holy Days. It will not define us. We remain committed to building a community rooted in peace, belonging, and resilience,” the Congregation Or Shalom said.
The congregation will gather for Shabbat Rishonah with members and friends from other faith communities on Friday.
“Together we will stand in defiance of hate and celebrate hope. In the weeks ahead, we will invite submissions for a mural to cover the wall, turning what was meant to harm into a lasting reminder of joy and peace,” the Congregation Or Shalom said. “We are stronger than hate, and the values we hold endure.”
The Vernon Hills Police Department confirmed they responded on Tuesday morning to the synagogue in reference to antisemitic graffiti being found on the property.
A preliminary investigation determined the incident occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. Sunday when a sole suspect spray-painted a “phallic symbol” on the congregation’s parking lot as well as the words “Hate Jews” on an interior-facing section of retaining wall.
The police department said they are working closely with Congregation Or Shalom staff as well as regional security partners.
Investigators are “aggressively” pursuing leads to identify the offender, police said.
Members of the public are asked to contact the Vernon Hills Police Department with any information by emailing [email protected].
“Regardless of the particular target, hate crimes are an attack on our entire community,” Vernon Hills Police Chief Patrick L. Kreis said.
“Conduct of this kind has no place in Vernon Hills, and the Police Department will work diligently to identify and charge any offender,” Kreis said.
Congregation Or Shalom Rabbi Ari Margolis said a notice was sent to the congregation that Jewish tradition teaches that curses and blessings are very intertwined.
“As the curse of antisemitism has breached our property, we can choose how to respond. Do we meet hate with hate, or to allow this to push us into a cycle of fear? Or do we choose to rise to the moment and meet hate with love and with hope,” Margolis said.
He said it would “mean the world” if members of the community sent a message showing support and love.
“The cowardly act of this individual who spraypainted on our walls in order to make us feel alone and afraid is bringing about the opposite impact on me – I’m hearing from so many people, from interfaith partners, from community partners, from local police and politicians, reaching out to share that this statement on our wall does not speak for them – that they still stand with us and our rights to be ourselves and gather in safety and protection to be who we are,” Margolis said.
Margolis said the act of antisemitism is painful but “we will not let it define us.”
“We remain committed to building a community rooted in peace, belonging, and resilience. Together we will stand in defiance of hate and celebrate hope,” Margolis said.
Congregation Or Shalom is seeking submissions from the community for a mural to cover the wall, turning what was “meant to curse us with harm into a lasting blessing, reminding us to strive for joy and peace.”
U.S. Representative Brad Schneider said Thursday he was saddened to learn about the vandalism at the congregation.
“This hateful act is not only an attack on a synagogue, but on our entire community. We must never accept or normalize antisemitism. I stand with Congregation Or Shalom, and I know our community does too,” Schneider said.
“Hate has no home in Vernon Hills, in the 10th District, or anywhere in America. Period,” he said, adding that he spoke with Margolis to check in and offer support.