Anti-Semitic Graffiti Found in Minnesota Elementary School

Anti-Semitic graffiti was found spray-painted on a pair of doors at Lake Harriet Upper Elementary School in southwest Minneapolis on August 1.

The graffiti consisted of a swastika and the words “K***S MUST DIE” in yellow. Minneapolis police told Minnesota Public Radio the incident took place sometime between July 28 and August 1. Police are still investigating.

Minneapolis Public Schools Superintendent Ed Graff said in an August 1 statement, “In the strongest terms, Minneapolis Public Schools condemns the anti-Semitic attack on our schools and community. We are working closely with the Minneapolis Police Department to find out who did this. Our schools should be safe, respectful and welcoming places for all of our students, families and community members. And we stand united against hatred in all its forms.”

Anti-Defamation League Midwest Regional Director David Goldenberg said in an August 2 statement to the Journal that the graffiti was “another troubling example of the 46 percent increase in school-based anti-Semitic incidents since 2016” and “underscores the importance of teaching the history of anti-Semitism and equipping students and educators with the tools needed to confront hate.”

The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Minnesota said in a press release the graffiti was “the 17^th anti-Semitic incident” reported to them this year, stating, “We must reject these chilling acts and the hate they represent.”