Swastika Suspects Should Meet Holocaust Survivors: Leader

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ROCKVILLE, MD — As families in Montgomery County observe Passover, one Jewish leader suggests that the teen suspects who painted Nazi swastikas at a Rockville school should meet with local Holocaust survivors to learn about the hateful symbol.

Nazi swastikas were painted at a Rockville park and elementary school Sunday afternoon, an act that police call a hate crime.

Montgomery County Police on Tuesday asked the public for help locating the vandalism suspects, described as two teenage boys.

The vandalism likely happened between 3:45 and 4 p.m. April 24 at Welsh Park on Mannakee Street and at Beall Elementary School, 451 Beall Ave. in Rockville.

SEE ALSO: Swastikas Painted at Rockville School, Park

A witness reported seeing two boys, described as white teenagers, spray-painting swastikas in the woods between the school and Welsh Park. “The perpetrators only know that it’s not a good thing and it’s offensive and they’re taking delight in rebellion,” Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington Ron Halber told WTOP.

Authorities say one of the swastikas was painted on the trunk of a tree and the other was painted on a memorial stone with a plaque commemorating “Charles W. Gilchrist – Forest Preserve at Welsh Park – Dedicated to the Citizens of Rockville.”

A third swastika was painted on a piece of exercise equipment near the portable classrooms on the grounds of Beall Elementary School.

The Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office says if the offenders are minors, punishment might involve psychological and/or substance abuse treatment as needed and sensitivity courses.

Halber agrees with that approach.

“Sentence them in such a way that it provides an educational opportunity or meaningful moment,” Halber he told WTOP. “Let them sit down and meet with Holocaust survivors. Let them see what that symbol means.”

He also suggested the perpetrators view a documentary just produced by the Montgomery County Council that explores the lives of six Holocaust survivors who live in the county.

Anyone with information about the vandalism or the suspects is asked to call police at 240-773-6084.

»Photos of graffiti, courtesy of Montgomery County Police