Vandalized Jewish Center Rallies Community Support

(Updated 5:00 p.m. Thursday) FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- A Jewish Community Center in Annandale is re-opening with community support after being vandalized with anti-Semitic graffiti the first night of Passover Tuesday.

The Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia and nearby Little River Church of Christ were both hit with the bias-related crime.

Police arrested a suspect in connection with the hate-related crimes Wednesday night.

The affected faith-based centers have received an outpouring of support from the community, including different denominations of faith. JCCNV Executive Director Jeff Dannick told Patch. Many people stopped by with cards and gifts.

When asked what more the community can do, he said people can express support for all faiths, regardless of their own beliefs. "The more love and compassion and respect we can have in this community, the more we can beat down hate mongers," he said.

The JCC and Church of Christ are coming along in cleaning up the graffiti, according to Dannick. Fairfax County Police have footage of the incident and determined it occurred between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. Tuesday. Police investigated the footage to identify a suspect.

Dannick said Fairfax County is "on the right track" for combating hate and believes it is a top priority for the government. A few weeks ago, Fairfax County held a well-attended community forum to address the spike in hate crimes and speech. Last week, the Board of Supervisors passed a diversity and inclusion resolution to reaffirm the county's values.

As the JCC reopens, it will participate in a number of events this month to send a message of inclusiveness and hope. On Saturday, April 15, the Little River Church of Christ is hosting a community vigil at 7:30 p.m. The church is located at 8410 Little River Turnpike, Annandale.

On Sunday, April 23, JCC will host a Holocaust remembrance event from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The event will explore the struggles of refugees today while reflecting on the experiences of World War II refugees. JCC is located at 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax.

On Sunday, April 30, JCC will participate in a Passover Seder celebration open to interfaith individuals from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event strives to build interfaith relationships to make Virginia a welcoming place for all. It will be held at Gesher Jewish Day School at 4800 Mattie Moore Court, Fairfax.

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