Jewish Community Center Vandalized in Annandale

(Updated 7:15 p.m. Tuesday) ANNANDALE, VA -- Police are investigating anti-Semitic graffiti found at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia in Annandale, Va. Tuesday morning.

Local police and the FBI arrived on the scene after a 7:15 a.m. call. Police said the incident occurred between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m.

Fairfax County Police Officer Monica Meeks told Patch police have video surveillance and will be collecting it within a few days to identify a suspect. She said that anti-Christian graffiti was also found nearby at the Little River United Church of Christ.

Subscribe to get Virginia Patch News Alerts and a newsletter.

The incident occurred as the Jewish celebration of Passover began Monday.

"As painful as this is, it's even more painful for it to happen on Passover," said JCCNV Executive Director Jeff Dannick at a press conference Tuesday. Dannick said the graffiti was covered up, and and the building would be power washed.

Local faith and political leaders have rallied behind the Jewish center and church.

"I am deeply saddened by the actions of those who painted anti-Semitic graffiti today at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia and the Little River United Church of Christ in Fairfax," said Michael F. Burbidge, bishop of the Arlington Diocese, which includes Annandale. "May all people of good will join me in praying for an end to all such hateful acts."

To report information, call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131 online through Crime Solvers.

>>>Have you been a victim to or have witnessed a hate crime? Tell your story here.

Follow Patch for more updates.

Image via Shutterstock