Jewish-owned law firm at University of Michigan defaced with antisemitic messages
A Jewish-owned law firm affiliated with the University of Michigan in Southfield, Michigan, was targeted in an antisemitic incident where pro-Palestinian graffiti was spray-painted on the premises. The firm describes the act as a deliberate attack on its Jewish identity.
A law firm in Southfield, Michigan, owned by a Jewish University of Michigan regent was vandalized early Monday. The firm was spray painted with pro-Palestinian language in what is being called an antisemitic attack.
Jordan Acker, who is a regent for the University of Michigan and a partner at Goodman Acker, expressed his distress over the incident. He described it as "an enormously difficult moment for me personally and for this entire community." In the state of Michigan, a regent is an elected official who oversees the university's governance.
Acker mentioned that this was the second incident where he felt targeted.
The law office was vandalized with messages like "divest now" and "free Palestine" on the building and sidewalk. One message, specifically aimed at the attorney, read "F**k you Acker."
Chief of Police Elvin Barren announced that the Southfield Police Department is investigating the incident as a hate crime during a news conference on Monday. He described the vandalism as “horrific” and mentioned that the FBI, University of Michigan police, and Huntington Woods police are also involved in the investigation.
Acker, speaking at the same news conference, emphasized that targeting Jewish elected officials is a clear act of antisemitism. He stressed that this act is not related to any political conflicts such as Palestine or the war in Gaza, but rather a deliberate attempt to instill fear in the Jewish community.
'A founding partner described it as an attack on our values and mission.'
'On May 15 at 4:30 a.m., a masked intruder approached Acker's home. The founding partner, who was home with his three sleeping daughters, called the incident unacceptable and made it clear that he would not be intimidated.'
Barry Goodman, one of the founders of the company, stated that the incident on Monday was not directed at our office, but rather at our values and what we stand for.
He also mentioned that the company is not just owned by Jewish individuals, but also by Muslims and Christians.
Demonstrators gathered on the National Mall in Washington, DC to show their support for Israel and speak out against antisemitism. They also called for the release of Israeli hostages. Thousands of civilians, including Palestinians and Israelis, have lost their lives since October 7, 2023. This violence was sparked by an attack from Palestinian Hamas militants in Gaza, leading to a war declared by Israel against Hamas. Retaliatory bombings on Gaza have resulted in a devastating toll on both sides.
TOPSHOT - Demonstrators in support of Israel gather to denounce antisemitism and call for the release of Israeli hostages, on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on November 14, 2023. Thousands of civilians, both Palestinians and Israelis, have died since October 7, 2023, after Palestinian Hamas militants based in the Gaza Strip entered southern Israel in an unprecedented attack triggering a war declared by Israel on Hamas with retaliatory bombings on Gaza. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds / AFP) (Photo by STEFANI REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)
Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images
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"We have been proudly serving people of all faiths and races for over 30 years," Goodman emphasized. "It's completely absurd; this is a criminal act."
Goodman mentioned that protesters can walk on the sidewalk, hold signs, and make statements, as allowed by the Constitution, but there are limits to what they can do.
Southfield police officers shared that a preliminary investigation showed four individuals on surveillance video outside the law office at 1:39 am on Monday morning, as mentioned by Barren during the news conference.
The individuals were only in the office for around seven minutes, according to Barren. CNN has contacted the police to obtain the surveillance video.
In a statement to CNN, University of Michigan President Santa J. Ono expressed that the incident was "unacceptable."
The vandalism at Regent Jordan Acker's business is shocking and unacceptable. The act of defacing his workplace in the middle of the night is being investigated by Southfield police as a hate crime due to its antisemitic nature. President Ono stated that singling out a dedicated public servant in this manner is cowardly and has no place in our university community.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed her disgust at the vandalism, calling it "abhorrent" in a statement.
Whitmer stated that violence, vandalism, threats, and intimidation are not acceptable, and the incidents in Southfield today are appalling. She emphasized the importance of unity in denouncing all forms of hatred and striving for peace in Michigan.
Acker expressed his profound gratitude for the support he has received from people of all backgrounds following the incident.
“I was not targeted here today because I am a regent. I am a target of this because I am Jewish.”
CNN’s Jen ONeil and Taso Stefanidis contributed to this report.
