Skokie police open hate crime investigation into stolen, vandalized signs supporting Israel

SKOKIE, Ill. (WLS) -- Signs saying "We Stand with Israel" have been displayed on front lawns in a show of support by some Skokie residents for the past couple weeks.

But overnight, they were stolen or cut up, apparently with a sharp blades, from multiple homes on multiple blocks. Police are now investigating.

"I was devastated. Somebody came to my home and expressed hate in the place where we sleep," said Miriam Friedman.

Skokie police said they are now investigating the vandalism and thefts as a hate crime.

Police released a statement, saying, "In the early morning of November 3, 2023, Skokie Police received reports of damaged "We Stand with Israel" signs in residential areas south of Church Street and east of Kostner Avenue in Skokie. The Skokie Police Department is investigating this incident as a Hate Crime. At this time, eight locations with sign damage have been identified and no one is in custody in regard to this investigation. If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact the Skokie Police Department at (847) 982-5900. Report # 23-09595."

Jon and Miriam Friedman were among many who woke up to find the remnants of the vandalism in their Devonshire neighborhood. Many residents are from Israel, or have lost loved ones there.

READ MORE: Israel rules out Gaza cease-fire until hostages released

"We know people who have been called back to the military. We know people who have been deeply affected, whose families have been killed," Jon Friedman said. "We thought we were safe here, and we're not feeling that same way, which is really, really worrisome."

"You are saying, 'We see you, Jewish people, and we do not want you here, and that is straight up antisemitism,'" said Annie Warshaw, Skokie resident.

Residents showed ABC7 multiple doorbell camera videos that captured the vandalism, including one that shows three people around 3:30 a.m. apparently grabbing signs.

Leah Graber said more than a dozen neighbors on her block alone were targeted.

"I got a pit in my stomach. My kids had to see it," she said. "And the questions they ask me, 'Why do they hate us? What did we do to them? What?' They want to know, and I don't have answers."

In the neighborhood, many have replaced their signs and some who didn't have them before said they now plan to put them up.

"We are resilient, and we are strong, and we unite, and we are unbreakable," said Miriam Friedman.