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The Jewish Federation of Detroit building on Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Hills was vandalized Monday morning with anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian graffiti. The incident comes on the one-year anniversary of Oct. 7 when Hamas attacked Israel.
The graffitti included "Free Palestine," "Intifada" and "Fuck Israel."
The incident happened shortly after 4 a.m. Security video from the building has been turned over to Bloomfield Township Police.
"We're working with the Federation and we've now partnered with our friends at the AG's office (Attorney General), the FBI and Oakland County Prosecutors Office to work this case," said Officer Nick Soley, a spokesman for the Bloomfield Township Police Department. "It's an active investigation. We don't have any evidence as of now that this is linked with any of the other anti-Israeli or anti-Jewish demonstrations or vandalism throughout Metro Detroit."
Federation President Gary Torgow and Federation CEO Steven Ingber said in a statement to Federation members:
"This attack, occurring on the anniversary of the October 7 massacre in Israel, was not only an assault on our physical space but also on the heart of community. It is a stark reminder of the rising tide of hate affecting the Jewish people, here and around the world."
"We unequivocally condemn this cowardly act of vandalism and stand firm in our resolve. It will not deter us from our vital missiion to support the people of Israel, combat antisemitism, and foster a strong Jewish future."
On Jan. 7, Hamas attacked Israel, killing about 1,200 people and kidnapping more than 200. The attack triggered a conflict that has spread in the Middle East and resulted in tens of thousands of deaths in Gaza.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a statement:
“The antisemitic graffiti on the headquarters of the Jewish Federation of Detroit is cruel and abhorrent. On the one-year anniversary of the October 7th attack, we must continue rising above actions that aim to divide us and instill fear in our communities.”
U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, a Democratic Senate candidate, posted on X:
"Targeting the home of the Jewish Federation of Detroit — especially on the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks — is an act of hate meant to sow fear among all Jews."
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said on X:
"I have been very clear on this topic, but it bears repeating. If you come at our Jewish community, or for that matter anyone in Oakland County, we will stand in front of them to protect them and we will come for you."
The Jewish Federation describes itself this way on its website:
"The Jewish Federation of Detroit is here for our Jewish community. For those who need housing and food. For those who need mental health and job support. For older people. For younger people. For safety, socializing and so much more."
