A hateful message spray‑painted on a retaining wall outside of Congregation Beth Israel in Central Austin was quickly covered Thursday after members discovered it while driving past the property.
Synagogue officials said the graffiti contained hateful language directed at Israel. Senior Rabbi Brian Leiken told KVUE the message was more than random vandalism.
“The words that were written on the wall were not just graffiti, they were hate,” Leiken said.
According to Leiken, the congregation immediately contacted the Austin Police Department, who not only opened an investigation but also helped remove the graffiti.
“Officers literally got down on their hands and their knees to help us to get the graffiti off the wall,” Leiken said, noting that the department is continuing to look into the incident.
The synagogue has already been operating under heightened security in response to a rise in antisemitic incidents nationwide. Leiken said the latest act serves as another reminder of the challenges the community continues to face.
This year, Leiken said they’re celebrating their 150th anniversary, though the journey hasn’t been without challenges. In 2021, an arson attack scorched their place of worship, causing significant damage. Leiken said the congregation has worked hard to reclaim the space since then.
“We’re going to put a big 150 banner up there,” Leiken said. “I think that’s made this space a symbol of what’s to come.”
Rebuilding efforts are ongoing, with plans for a new sanctuary and campus spaces expected to take shape over the next four to five years.
Despite the latest incident, Leiken emphasized that the congregation will continue moving forward.
“Faith institutions like synagogues and churches and mosques can be places that bring people together and start to nourish the values that our world needs right now,” Leiken said.
In a social media post, Austin City Council Member Marc Duchen, who represents District 10 where the synagogue is located, said hate crimes are rising both locally and across the country. He called the vandalism “unacceptable” and said he is pushing to revive a city hate‑crimes task force.
Austin police have not yet responded to requests for additional information.