Numerous anti-Semitic graffiti and messages were reported over the weekend in the suburb of Northbrook, forcing residents to clean up and demand answers.
After vandals spray-painted a pro-Israel sign in front of Michael and Lydia Wechsler’s home with the phrase “Free Palestine,” the couple was quick to promise to respond positively.
“We don’t feel like victims,” Michael Wechsler said. “It’s an inconvenience. We will come back stronger.
The incident follows a high-profile act in which anti-Semitic messages were posted on billboards above the Edens Expressway, with those billboards also located in Northbrook.
The company that operated the boards said they had been hacked and an investigation is still underway.
Closer to downtown Northbrook, following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, the Wechsler family placed pro-Israel signs and flags on their lawn.
“We unfurled the little flags, 101 for each of the remaining hostages,” Michael said.
Over the weekend, vandals defaced the walkways and house signs with graffiti.
“All the flags have been defaced,” Michael said. “We had graffiti on the driveway, (saying) ‘genocide,’ ‘Free Palestine,’ and I can’t repeat what they had on the driveway.”
Even in the face of vandalism, the couple says they are not deterred.
“Given the way things are going across the country, I expected something,” Michael said.
“With this incident, we no longer feel isolated,” Lydia added. “Our neighbors are here, you (the media) are here. I am very encouraged.
The couple said they ordered more flags and additional signs.
“We ordered new flags, twice as many,” Michael said. “We have ordered larger and brighter road signs. I have a brand new Israeli flag, this one has been out for a year. We are not afraid or intimidated. And nothing they can do will change how we feel about this situation. I want our Jewish neighbors and our Jewish friends not to be afraid. »
Northbrook Police say they are taking the matter seriously and are aggressively investigating the matter.
“What makes this criminal is they are damaging and defacing property,” Deputy Chief Marc Fainman said. “It is offensive because of the language used and the crime committed.”
Fainman says the billboard incident and the blight of property around the area are all concerning and the department is doing everything it can to resolve the issue.
“These incidents all have an anti-Semitic element, so it’s concerning,” he said.
