Police are searching for three persons of interest related to antisemitic graffiti at Greenwood Elementary School, a Montgomery County public school, in Brookeville, MD. Three people were seen leaving the school at 3 a.m. Saturday, when the vandalism occurred.

Police have asked anyone with information to come forward. “Anti-Semitic graffiti was spray-painted on a wall and the side of the school building’s roof. The three persons of interest were seen leaving the school,” the Montgomery County Department of Police said in a statement alongside a security photo of three suspects. “Anyone with information regarding the persons of interest or this crime is asked to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County.”

As in so many towns and cities across the country, the incident follows a spike in antisemitic incidents since the October 7 attacks.

“The number of reports JCRC has received about antisemitism at MCPS is significantly higher than other school districts across our region,” Franklin Siegel, chief operating officer at the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, told a local news outlet. “They come at a time when antisemitism is becoming more dangerous and violent throughout our country and internationally.”

“While the details vary, these incidents reveal a harsh truth: too many Jewish students and educators at too many MCPS schools continue to face too many threats,” he added.

Maryland politicians and leaders condemned the vandalism on social media.

“A terrible act of antisemitism took place this weekend at Greenwood ES in Brookeville,” wrote Councilmember Dawn Luedtke. “This tight-knit community has strongly and immediately stood up against this unacceptable hate.”

“I unequivocally condemn the antisemitic graffiti at Greenwood Elementary School in Olney; such hate has no place in our schools or our state, especially as we begin Jewish American Heritage Month,” Maryland Governor Wes Moore stated. “Ensuring my people feel safe where they live, work, worship, and learn remains my greatest priority. Our administration is working closely with local authorities to combat this hate and stomp out antisemitism in all its forms.”

StopAntisemitism posted the strongest words and urged people with information to contact the group.

“Greenwood Elementary has been vandalized with vile antisemitic graffiti,” the group said. “Montgomery county public schools have been identified by StopAntisemitism as a top 10 district infected by antisemitism. Are you a parent or employee in the district? We want to hear from you.”