VERNON HILLS, Ill. (WLS) — A Jewish congregation is turning hate into love after someone graffitied their property with antisemitic remarks.
The Vernon Hills synagogue has printed all the supportive letters they’ve received, enveloping themselves with love not only from the Jewish community but from people of various backgrounds.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
Laurie Akers recalls seeing the phrase “hate Jews” vandalized on her synagogue’s walls, Congregation Or Shalom Cantor. She knelt down, scrubbed, and quite literally erased the hate from sight.
“It’s very frightening,” Akers remarked. “I was reminded of times during the Holocaust when Jewish individuals were forced onto sidewalks to scrub off swastikas.”
Like generations before her, the Congregation Or Shalom is turning the hate into love.
“In our tradition that we focus so much on recognizing that even in curses, there are opportunities to find blessings,” Rabbi Ari Margolis said.
Margolis mentions that the blessing now entails creating a vibrant mural filled with faith on the exact location defaced last Sunday. He finds strength in knowing they are not battling hate in isolation.
“We are not just emotionally hugged, but we are literally surrounded by the love,” Margolis said.
Their sanctuary walls are now covered in colorful letters, emails and notes of support from those of all backgrounds.
“These walls have always sheltered our Jewish community, however, they are now opening up to the community for all other blessings,” noted congregant Jessica Ceisel.
The congregation is organizing their usual Friday night Shabbat, but this time nearly 300 community members, including those of different faiths, will join them.
“We’re all part of one family,” said Pastor Alex Molozaiy with Community Protestant Church. “Do we agree all the time? No, but what family does?”
It’s a reminder that even in hate, humanity can rise.
“That was one person with a spray paint can who’s putting out a message of hate,” Margolis said. “There are so many more voices of hope.”
The congregation has set up a donation page following the vandalism.
Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
