Antisemitic Graffiti Discovered in Kentlands-Lakelands Neighborhoods; Jewish Community to Hold “Wash Away Hate” Event Tonight in Response

According to Gaithersburg Police, “On October 23, 2023 at 7:17 p.m., police received a report of a vandalism at the Kentlands Market Square in the 500 block of Main Street that occurred earlier. The complainant, who was not on scene, advised that an unknown individual drew with chalk antisemitic graffiti on the sidewalk near the office building. Upon arriving, officers did not locate any drawings on the sidewalk. This remains an ongoing investigation.”

In response, the Shaare Torah community has organized a “Wash Away Hate” hate gathering that will take place tonight, October 24, at 5:30pm at the site where the vandalism occurred.

Dear Shaare Torah Community,
We are distressed by incidents of antisemitic graffiti in the Kentlands-Lakelands neighborhoods discovered earlier today. The first was the word “kike” drawn onto a playground in the Lakelands. The second was a series of swastikas drawn in chalk in the center of the commercial area in the Kentlands- Kentlands Market Square (between Crepes-a-Go-Go and Thai Tanium). 

The chalking was discovered by a teen in our community and was still there several hours later, when other Shaare Torah members arrived to wash it off. The City of Gaithersburg, law enforcement, and the ADL were notified and the incidents are under investigation.   

These acts have had a chilling effect for many of us who heard about them, given the volume of antisemitic incidents we have witnessed recently, both locally and globally. 

In response, we are planning to gather tomorrow evening (Tuesday, 10/24) in the same spot at Kentlands Market Square, from 5:30 – 6:00 PM to “Wash Away Hate” with songs and solidarity. Please come and join us and spread the word to other folks in the Kentlands-Lakelands and the surrounding area- both Jewish neighbors and allies. 

In moments like this, we counter hate and fear by recommitting to shining our light, to living our Jewish lives in community, with courage and pride. 

We are here to support you. If you would like to talk with one of our rabbis individually, please contact Abby Israel ([email protected]) to schedule a meeting.

Annie Lewis, Rabbi
Yosef Goldman, Rabbi
Matt Oziel, Executive Director
Brian Abraham, President

Investigators ask that anyone with information about this incident or video of this area to contact the Gaithersburg Police – Investigative Section at 301-258-6400. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call the Gaithersburg Tip Line at 301-330-4471. Featured image courtesy of Google Maps.