UPDATE 3:20PM: The Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia has released a statement regarding last night’s vandalism:
The Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia was the target today of anti-Semitic graffiti. Swastikas and derogatory language were painted on the exterior of the building, marquee, and fence. Fairfax County police and the FBI were called immediately, and are investigating. Police have confirmed that the crime took place overnight while the building was closed. A local power wash company was called to remove the graffiti today.
During Passover, when the Jewish community around the world is celebrating a time of freedom for our people as well as those who are affected by hate today, a crime like this heightens the reason that organizations like our own exist to bring communities together through messages and actions of peace, acceptance, and inclusion. We are disheartened and deeply disturbed by the anti-Semitism our community has experienced today. We will not be deterred from our mission of being an open and welcoming place for people of all backgrounds as we continue our operations as normal.
We are grateful to the local and federal law enforcement officials who are working to identify and bring to justice the person or persons who committed this crime. As always, our community’s safety will be our priority as we remain committed to fulfilling our daily mission as a community center.
To address inquiries from the press, a brief press conference was held this afternoon. We plan to continue our current security measures and ask the community to remain alert and vigilant.
B’Shalom (in peace),
Jeff Dannick Sig
Jeff Dannick Scott Brown
Executive Director President, Board of Directors
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FAIRFAX, VA — (WMAL) Fairfax County police are looking for the people behind vandalism at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia and Little River United Church of Christ.
Swastikas and other graffiti were spray painted on both buildings.
Jeff Dannick, the Executive director of the Northern Virginia JCC, connected the events to the Jewish holy time of Passover, which is happening this week:
“As painful as this is its even more painful for it to happen on Passover, a holiday when we celebrate our exodus form Egypt and our overcoming slavery and we are reminded that we need to be concerned about people all over the world and what they may be facing.”
The vandalism is believed to have happened overnight.
If you have any information, please contact the Fairfax County Police at (703) 691-2131
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