Legislative and religious leaders have rallied to condemn a pro-Palestinian demonstration outside Congregation Oheb Shalom in South Orange where protesters scrawled hateful antisemitic messages on signs and on the synagogue’s driveway.

The Sunday, Jan. 26 demonstration occurred as members of an elite rescue unit of the IDF were speaking at the Conservative synagogue.

In a statement posted on the synagogue’s website, Rabbi Abigail Treu said the unit’s sole mission is search and rescue. The program was sponsored by the synagogue’s Israel Today committee.

Rabbi Treu, who landed in Israel on Jan. 28 with a mission group of 12 interfaith clergy leaders from throughout the MetroWest area, said her shul is committed to the Jewish people and tries to engage with its diverse community with calm and respect.

“However, there are limits to even the widest of tents,” she said. “People who stand outside our building, calling us terrorists, making us feel threatened or on the defensive as we undertake the peaceful work of joining with our local community, do not have a place here. Not at Oheb, and I know not at our neighboring synagogue partners. Our tent is a large one, but it has walls.”

Rabbi Treu said as the protesters were outside yelling “baby killers” at those driving past, those inside were learning how the IDF unit has saved the lives of people in Israel and around the world, including from natural disasters in countries such as Turkey and Haiti, and hearing firsthand accounts of infants and children rescued around the world—including civilians in Gaza during Israel’s current war with Hamas.

In a press release issued on Jan. 28, South Orange Police Chief Ernesto Morillo said police have identified persons of interest, and the special victims unit of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is reviewing the case as a possible bias incident.

The release also noted the demonstrators had written with chalk on the driveway and poured red liquid—determined to be paint, not blood—on the sidewalk in front of the synagogue; during an interaction with a passing motorist the same liquid was thrown on the vehicle; a resident reported being harassed by demonstrators, and another resident reported harassment and was blocked from turning into Oheb Shalom’s driveway. There were no injuries.

Morillo said the police department has been conferring with the state police and attorney general’s office about the incident.

“The South Orange Police Department is aware of the sensitive nature of these types of incidents,” and “acknowledges the rights of citizens to peacefully assemble, however we also denounce instances of harassment, criminal mischief, violence or other offenses.”

Linda Scherzer, director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest, said the federation’s’ chief security officer, Thomas “Chip” Michaels, is also in close contact with law enforcement.

The hateful messages were called out in a statement by the clergy of St. George’s Episcopal Church, The Episcopal Church of St. Andrew & Holy Communion, Prospect Presbyterian, First Presbyterian & Trinity Church and Holy Ascension Ukrainian Orthodox Church who said: “We stand in solidarity with our Jewish colleagues and their congregations in denouncing the antisemitic demonstration and vandalism that occurred outside Oheb Shalom on Sunday, Jan 26. We may come from different faith traditions, yet we are unified in affirming the dignity and worth of every human being. All are beloved children of God. We unconditionally condemn the hatred and prejudice displayed at this demonstration; hate has no home in our SOMA (South Orange Maplewood) community.”

Local, state and federal officials have issued strong statements condemning the incident.

Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-Middlesex) said, “This kind of behavior is not only an attack on a religious community, but an assault on the values of respect, kindness and tolerance that we hold close here in New Jersey,” adding, “The fact that this incident occurred while students were attending [religious] school makes it even more egregious. No one, anywhere, should ever face hate or intimidation because of their faith or their identity, especially in places where they come to learn, grow and feel safe.”

His words were echoed by others.

“These hateful actions, including protestors shouting antisemitic chants and vandalizing synagogue property, have no place in New Jersey,” said state Sen. John McKeon (D-Essex/Passaic). “As local leaders, we must unite in condemning these acts of hate and take concrete steps to safeguard the diverse, inclusive communities we cherish. I stand unwaveringly in solidarity with the Jewish community and strongly reject any form of discrimination.”

Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker (D-Essex/Union) called out the demonstrators who wrote “hateful antisemitic graffiti and shouted offensive and threatening remarks” branding them “absolutely reprehensible.

“Religious institutions should always be places of sanctuary, peace and mutual respect,” she said. “No person should fear intimidation walking into a house of worship. No child should be hesitant to walk into an educational setting because of their religious views. Regardless of political views, resorting to violence, hate speech and intimidation only serves to deepen divisions and has no place in our community.”

South Orange Mayor Sheena Collum said the “act of intolerance” was “deeply disturbing and has no place in our community. We must come together, united in our commitment to stand against hate, bigotry and discrimination in all forms. This is not just an attack on one group; it is an attack on the values that bind us all as neighbors.”

Neighboring Maplewood Mayor Nancy Adams said on behalf of herself, Deputy Mayor Malia Herman and the township committee that “Maplewood stands in solidarity with Oheb Shalom Congregation and our entire Jewish community.”

She added, “Rights of free speech and protest do not give anyone the right to deface property or make threats against the Jewish community. Whether these acts were committed by residents of South Orange or Maplewood or from people outside of our community, our message to you is clear. We stand together to resist and reject your intimidation and disrespect of the Jewish residents in our towns. An act of hate toward one is an act of hate toward all of us.”

Rep. Mikie Sherrill, whose district includes South Orange and who is seeking the Democratic nomination for governor, said, “Although we must ensure space for First Amendment activities, going onto private property and spray painting ‘terrorists this way’ is not only a crime, but is contrary to the values we share as a diverse community. We should all work together to make sure people are allowed to worship without fear.”

Debra Rubin has had a long career in journalism writing for secular weekly and daily newspapers and Jewish publications. She most recently served as Middlesex/Monmouth bureau chief for the New Jersey Jewish News. She also worked with the media at several nonprofits, including serving as assistant public relations director of HIAS and assistant director of media relations at Yeshiva University.