(JEWISH GROUP) Local News Antisemitic graffiti spray painted on Vernon Hills, Illinois synagogue

[Behind the Aegis]

Police are investigating after antisemitic graffiti was spray painted on a synagogue in Vernon Hills, Illinois.

Village officials said police responded to Congregation Or Shalom Tuesday morning after the graffiti was discovered. Officials said they believe it was painted at about 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 31.

Officials said a single suspect sprayed a phallic symbol on the parking lot and also the words "Hate Jews" on a retaining wall that faces the inside of the temple.

An investigation into the vandalism is ongoing. If you have any information about who may have made the graffiti, contact Vernon Hills police.

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[Deuxcents]

1. Sounds like a kid so I would love to suggest to the judge a punishment..

An essay on why he hates Jews and then some community service of about 80 hours, or so, attending some classes with Jewish kids, educational documentaries on Jewish history and an exit essay on what the experience has meant to him/her. Detention at a juvenile place will not educate or help but a program to teach intolerance might.

[Behind the Aegis]

2. Possibly, but I don't rule out adults, especially recently.

I agree with your suggestions, except for "attending some classes with Jewish kids". While I understand the motivation, it isn't fair to put those kids, even adults, in a situation where they have to encounter a bigot. If the other remediations take hold, or start to take hold, then, I would be OK with it.

When I worked at various universities, they would send homophobes to our group to "be educated". I can't remember a time that ever went well. At USC, we had two bigots "sentenced" to attend a group meeting. The next week, ONE person showed up, even the sitting board members didn't come because they were afraid.

[Deuxcents]

3. I am being optimistic, I guess. People more sophisticated than I could develop some kind of program

Where a kid could be in a group setting to interact with other kids to learn about each other. The offender’s home life may be a factor, too, but just why does a kid hate others and don’t even know them? That question could be answered if there are ways to introduce a kid to other kids and learn from each other.