Community organizations donate $7K reward to help solve 3 antisemitic graffiti cases in Montgomery Co.

Children cleaning anti-Israel and antisemitic graffiti from a sidewalk near Bethesda Elementary School in Montgomery County, Maryland. (Courtesy Steve Sanders)

Three cases of antisemitic graffiti spray painted around Bethesda, Maryland, remain unsolved, and now, police in Montgomery County are offering a reward for information that leads to an arrest.

The incidents occurred in the summer in locations relatively close to each other. The first happened on Aug. 11 at Bethesda Elementary School, with police saying the “antisemitic phrases” were painted on school grounds overnight.

Two days later, officers responded to similar reports at a Starbucks on Norfolk Avenue and Congregation Beth El on Old Georgetown Road. In a statement to WTOP, the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington said the graffiti discovered at the synagogue was posted on a “We Support Israel” sign.

In all three cases, spray paint was used to create the graffiti.

The vandalism has since been removed.

Multiple community organizations raised $7,000 and donated it to police as a reward for information that leads to an arrest and prosecution in the cases.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers in Montgomery County via its website or call 1-866-411-8477. Tips can be anonymous.

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Kyle Cooper

Weekend and fill-in anchor Kyle Cooper has been with WTOP since 1992. Over those 25 years, Kyle has worked as a street reporter, editor and anchor. Prior to WTOP, Kyle worked at several radio stations in Indiana and at the Indianapolis Star Newspaper.

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