Swastikas and vulgar graffiti lead to hate crime investigations in northwest Baltimore

BALTIMORE – Swastikas and a swear word were spray-painted on a northwest Baltimore street, sparking a hate crime investigation.

The graffiti was found in the 3900 block of Fordham Court in the Glen neighborhood.

A neighbor who first noticed the graffiti described the act as disturbing.

“I guess in this climate it’s not shocking. Hate is everywhere,” Rivka Ringo said.

Ringo told WJZ that the neighborhood was beautiful and quiet during the year she lived there.

She said she didn’t notice anything unusual until she drove home on Tuesday, but she didn’t realize what she had noticed until one of her neighbors posted it online.

The graffiti was shared on various social media platforms by Baltimore City Councilman Isaac “Yitzy” Schleifer, who represents Glen and other communities in northwest Baltimore.

On X, formerly Twitter, he posted: “There is no place for this hate in Baltimore or anywhere else.”

The police responded around 7 p.m. on Wednesday and began their investigation.

It is currently unclear when and by whom the graffiti originated.

Howard Libit, executive director of the Jewish Council of Baltimore, said the frequency of such incidents is alarming – and they are always difficult to solve.

“Whether it’s signs being defaced in front of synagogues, flags being torn down or horrific graffiti like this,” Libit said. “No matter where it happens, it’s hard to track down the perpetrators.”

Libit said the best way to prevent the next rush is education.

“We need to raise the next generation that will not tolerate acts like this,” Libit said.

Ringo said whoever did this was welcome to learn more from her about her religion.

“In general, the Jewish community is a very welcoming community,” Ringo said. “It’s a community that thrives on safety and inclusion. If (the suspect) can just see that, or if they haven’t experienced that, let us know. We’d love to include them. We’d love to show them that love goes on in life.”

Contact the police if you know anything about this incident.

The Baltimore Jewish Council website lists several resources.