Authorities investigate alleged antisemitic incident in front of Metro Detroit synagogue
OAK PARK, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - Police are looking for a man who allegedly shouted antisemitic remarks toward two women last week outside of a synagogue in Oak Park.
City officials say at about 9:14 a.m. May 2, a man driving a dark blue 2008-2012 Chevy Traverse approached the women in front of Congregation Beth Shalom, allegedly yelled obscenities, and threw a pair of work gloves wrapped in plastic at one of the women. The glove struck the woman.
"Somebody drove up behind me and shouted at me and said up, 'Having a nice day, baby killer?' And it caught me off guard," Alicia Nelson told CBS News Detroit.
Nelson said she went inside when the car pulled off. Minutes later, someone inside the building left.
"The same car, who had gone across the street to wait because he had not gotten enough of a response in his attempt, drove up next to her, and I immediately recognized the car. He shouted at her, said some things about Palestinians and Gaza, and said, 'I'm proud to be a Jew hater.'"
"It's just disconcerting because it's not in our realm of understanding. We were just minding our own business," said Rabbi David Nelson.
The individual was described as a white man with thick dark hair and a long dark beard. The vehicle was described as having a large dent on the front passenger side door and a blue Michigan license plate with a yellow print.
Authorities released a photo of the vehicle:
"Our commitment to maintaining safety in Oak Park is unwavering," Oak Park City Manager Erik Tungate said in a statement. "There is no room for instances of hate or violence in our community, and I am proud of how diligently our Public Safety team works to ensure safety for everyone in Oak Park. Our diversity is our greatest strength, and we will continue to protect it."
Officials say there have not been any other reported incidents.
Anyone with information is asked to call Lt. Ryan Bolton with the Oak Park Department of Public Safety at 248-691-7511 or Detective Patrick Laskaska at 248-691-7513.
"We are committed to providing the necessary resources to not only keep all of our residents safe but to foster that feeling of safety as well," said Oak Park Public Safety Director Steve Cooper in a statement. "Our dedication to supporting the people of Oak Park, with increased awareness as conflicts outside of the US continue, remains strong."
