Chicago synagogue, businesses vandalized with swastika images, antisemitic graffiti; 1 arrested
CHICAGO — One person has been arrested after a synagogue, affiliated school and Jewish businesses were vandalized over the weekend, some with swastika images and antisemitic graffiti.
The windows of two businesses were seen smashed Saturday, police said. The businesses were a Jewish bakery and a Kosher food store, a Jewish group, the Concerned Citizens League, said.
Sometime Saturday into Sunday, the glass door of a synagogue was shattered and another door cracked, police said. The incidents occurred Sunday at the FREE Synagogue and Hanna Sacks Bais Yaakov High School.
Local Rabbi Levi Notik told WBBM-TV people were packing meals for Holocaust survivors in the neighborhood when they walked out and saw the graffiti.
"We'll get through it," Notik told another outlet, WFLD-TV. "I want to thank law enforcement, they did a tremendous job. They were here very quick, had detectives here in minutes."
Vandalism also occurred at a synagogue in Lincolnwood, WMAQ-TV reported.
Police in Chicago were investigating. A person of interest was being questioned, police said.
The Anti-Defamation League Midwest said on Twitter it was "alarmed by a string of incidents against the Jewish community in Chicago this weekend."
In a statement, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she was "deeply upset" to learn the synagogue, school, and businesses were vandalized over the weekend."
"Make no mistake: this attack, as well as the deep hatred and bigotry that drives other anti-Semitic acts like it, is an attack on our city's Jewish community and social fabric," Lightfoot said. "Those responsible must be held accountable. An arrest has been made and the police are working diligently to gather evidence to support charges."
Local representative Ald. Debra Silverstein called the incidents "distressing."
"These incidents are particularly upsetting as they come mere days after Holocaust Remembrance Day and in light of a worrying increase in antisemitism across the nation," Silverstein said in a statement.
Silverstein added: "I want to assure everyone that the City of Chicago stands firmly with the Jewish community. The police are taking these incidents very seriously, as am I and all the City leadership. Hate has no place in this neighborhood, and bigotry will not be tolerated."
Contributing: The Associated Press