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A synagogue in Maryland was defaced with antisemitic graffiti on Tuesday.
A Nazi swastika, the word “genocide,” and the letters “AZAB,” short for “All Zionists Are Bastards,” were spray-painted outside Shaare Tefila Congregation, a Conservative shul in Olney, a northern suburb of Washington, D.C.
Montgomery County police said the case was under investigation, with no suspects identified as of time of publication.
Shaare Tefila Rabbi Jonah Layman commented, “This was very disturbing, to say the least, to see something like this. But at the same time, tragically not surprising, because of the rise of antisemitism and hate in the world around us.”
“It causes fear and feelings of stress and tension and anxiety in our community, and that’s just not the way people are supposed to treat one another,” he added.
In a statement, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich said he was “appalled” by the incident.
“I condemn all acts of antisemitism,” Elrich emphasized. “Antisemitism is on the rise across the country, and incidents like this deepen the anxiety and pain felt by our Jewish neighbors.”
“To those who commit acts of hate — you will be held accountable,” he vowed. “To our Jewish community — you are not alone. We stand with you, and we will continue working tirelessly to keep every resident safe and ensure that Montgomery County remains a place where everyone is welcome and respected.”
The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) recorded 348 incidents of antisemitic vandalism in the United States in 2025, comprising 17.8% of the overall total of 1,955 antisemitic incidents tracked in the country last year.
Overnight, Shaare Tefila Congregation in Maryland was defaced with a swastika and antisemitic slurs.
The graffiti included the antisemitic slogan, “AZAB,” leaving the community shaken and afraid. pic.twitter.com/9TPDpZLt9t
— Combat Antisemitism Movement (@CombatASemitism) February 11, 2026
