Posted on 06/11/25
| News Source: FOX45
Baltimore, MD – June 11, 2025 – A historic former shul near Druid Hill Park was defaced with the words “Free Pal” scrawled in black tar across the sidewalk and two exterior walls. The graffiti is believed to be a politically motivated reference to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Surveillance footage shows a suspect exiting a vehicle, defacing the building, and fleeing the scene. The building, once home to an Orthodox congregation and now a renovated community space, is used for Jewish events and meetings. Administrators have spent the past two days working to remove the vandalism.
"This is racist, and we're tired. Something’s gotta change," said local resident Shantel Forte. Another neighbor added, “It just lets you know we’re not doing well as a human race.”
The vandalism occurred just hours before a pre-planned march against hate, where members of the Jewish community gathered in response to growing anti-Semitism nationwide.
Although few witnessed the act, its emotional impact was widespread. "This bothers me. It's an attack on people who can't help how they were born. Leave people alone," Forte said.