The Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago issued the following statement in reaction to the anti-Semitic vandalism at a Rogers Park synagogue and several homes over the weekend.

Today, Chicago’s Jewish community stands together with people of good conscience everywhere to strongly condemn the hateful acts of bigotry which took place in the city’s far north side over the weekend. The vandals who sprayed anti-Semitic graffiti on a neighborhood synagogue and private homes not only defaced buildings, but also our city’s spirit of openness and diversity.

Hateful, anti-Semitic messages were painted on the rear of Congregation Atereth Yehoshua in Rogers Park, along with several garages nearby, according to reports.

It is always a tragedy when any religious or ethnic group is targeted. At a time of heightened turmoil in the Middle East and mounting anti-Semitic violence around the world, we are deeply saddened by this reminder that sometimes we face hate right here in our own backyard.

Despite this disheartening incident, we also remember in times like these how grateful we are to live in an open society where people of all faiths and ethnicities are free to celebrate their traditions and cultures. We applaud the diligence of the Chicago Police Department in investigating crimes such as this, deeply appreciate our longstanding relationship with the department, and will continue to work closely with all levels of law enforcement to ensure the security of Jewish institutions throughout the City of Chicago and suburbs.

As Chicagoans, we are proud to live in a city that has zero tolerance for hate crimes against any minority group, values the safety and security of all its citizens, and works diligently to see that those who violate that security are swiftly brought to justice.