Seattle rabbi says he was target of anti-Semitic graffiti

Graffiti bearing an anti-Semitic message was spray-painted on a building near the Seattle office for a Jewish community organization over the weekend.

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The message reads: “It’s okay to be a Zionist genocider,” and was found Sunday on a building directly across from the Jewish Family Service (JFS) of Seattle in the city’s Capitol Hill neighborhood.

JFS CEO Rabbi Will Berkovitz tells KIRO 7 TV that he believes he was the target of the message after publishing an opinion piece in the Seattle Times last week. In it, Berkovitz questioned whether criticism of the Israeli government “is rooted in a sincere desire to understand the conflict in its entirety or is just veiled antisemitism.”

Berkovitz also issued a statement to the Jason Rantz Show on KTTH in response to graffiti, which quotes a passage from his opinion piece. It reads:

As I wrote to one friend, Jews are a remnant of a remnant. The entire state of Israel is smaller than Lake Michigan. I cannot visit my family in Eastern Europe. The graves are not there any longer, let alone the people. It makes me wonder if the non-Jewish community understands how personal these attacks are for some of us. The fear is real. The violence is real. And the silence speaks volumes.

With all the talk about intersectionality and diversity, I find myself asking if we Jews somehow do not count in those equations when it comes down to it.

Berkovitz says he has filed a report with the police.

The Jason Rantz Show obtained a statement from Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell:

We will not tolerate anti-Semitism in Seattle – period. This disgusting act of vandalism is a sad reminder that hate can target our communities at any time and in any form. We must all speak out and reject this vile attack loudly and unambiguously.

I’ve directed Seattle Public Utilities to offer assistance in removing the graffiti immediately and Seattle Police Department to investigate its origin. We will not allow vandals to continue to disrespect Seattle’s communities, deface our buildings and landmarks, and detract from the values that define our City.

As such, I will be convening a call with Jewish leaders to reiterate Seattle’s support for the Jewish community. We must lead every day with inclusivity – ensuring this is a welcoming place for all people, no matter their religion, creed, race, or background.

KIRO 7 TV staff contributed to this report

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