List of antisemitic incidents in Kemp Mill, Maryland

The Kemp Mill neighborhood in Silver Spring, Maryland, (the largest Orthodox Jewish community on the East Coast between Baltimore and Miami), has experienced multiple antisemitic incidents over the years, particularly targeting its large Orthodox Jewish community. This article documents the significant antisemitic incidents in Kemp Mill.
1989 Vandalism and threats
In 1989, a series of antisemitic acts occurred in Kemp Mill. These included:
* Swastikas and Racist Graffiti: On September 15, 1989, vandals spray-painted swastikas, racial slurs, and antisemitic slogans on an Orthodox Jewish school, 17 cars, homes, mailboxes, and street signs in the neighborhood. 40 cars had their windows shot in with BB guns, the graffiti "All Jews Must Die Now" was painted on a sidewalk. Swastikas were painted on vehicles, including one parked at the home of a rabbi. Graffiti such as "KKK" and "Death to Jews" were visible throughout the area.<ref name"washpost1" /><ref name"washpost2" />
* Hate Mail: Some residents received hate mail containing threats and antisemitic messages. These letters targeted Jewish households, aiming to intimidate and spread fear among the Jewish community in the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.<ref name="washpost1" />
* Broken Windows: Windows were smashed in several Jewish-owned homes and vehicles during this time.<ref name="washpost1" />
* Jewish Symbol Defacement: Jewish symbols, including mezuzahs on doorways, were targeted for vandalism.<ref name="washpost1" />
The Montgomery County Police increased patrols in the area, and the incidents were part of a broader uptick in antisemitic acts across the county during that period.<ref name"washpost1" /><ref name"washpost4" />
2022 Swastika flyers at bus stop
In June 2022, antisemitic flyers featuring swastikas were discovered at a bus stop on Arcola Avenue, directly across from Young Israel Shomrai Emunah, an Orthodox synagogue in Kemp Mill. The flyers were laminated and displayed Nazi imagery alongside hate-filled rhetoric. These were found shortly before the Jewish holiday of Shavuot. The Montgomery County Police opened an investigation, but no suspects were identified.<ref name"jns1" /><ref name"moco3601" /><ref name="wjla3" />
2022 surge in antisemitic incidents
The Anti-Defamation League reported a 261% increase in antisemitic incidents in Montgomery County in 2022, with many of these incidents taking place in Kemp Mill. These incidents included:
* Harassment and Threats: Multiple reports of verbal harassment and threatening messages targeting Jewish residents were recorded.<ref name="moco3602" />
* Flyers and Graffiti: Antisemitic flyers and graffiti, including swastikas, were found in public spaces near Jewish institutions, specifically synagogues.<ref name="moco3602" />
March 2023 antisemitic flyers found near synagogue
In March 2023, antisemitic flyers containing swastikas were again found at a bus stop on Arcola Avenue, directly across from the Young Israel Shomrai Emunah synagogue. These flyers appeared shortly after a report by the ADL highlighted the rise in antisemitic activity. Police were again called to investigate but did not arrest anyone in connection with the incident.<ref name"wjla3" /><ref name"patch" />
Impact of Israel-Hamas conflict in 2023
On October 8th, 2023, in the wake of the Simchat Torah Massacre, security was heightened around synagogues and Jewish institutions in Kemp Mill. The immediate days following the attack led to a rise in global antisemitic incidents, including an increase in threats and harassment aimed at the Jewish community in Kemp Mill. Montgomery County law enforcement worked with federal agencies to monitor potential threats.<ref name"wjla1" /><ref name"washpost2" />
Israeli flag theft from synagogue (December 2023)
In December 2023, a man from Silver Spring stole an Israeli flag from the Young Israel Shomrai Emunah synagogue. He was arrested, fined $300, and received a suspended sentence.<ref name="jns2" />
Antisemitism in Montgomery County schools
Throughout 2023, Montgomery County Public Schools, serving the Kemp Mill area, reported a series of antisemitic incidents. These incidents included:
* Antisemitic Bullying: Jewish students were subjected to slurs and antisemitic jokes by their peers.<ref name"washpost3" /><ref name"wjweek1" />
* Swastikas in Schools: Graffiti, including swastikas, was found in school bathrooms and lockers. Some incidents were attributed to ignorance, while others were more malicious. School officials promised to address these issues through educational programs and disciplinary action.<ref name"washpost3" /><ref name"wjweek1" />

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