EAST LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – In the span of one week during the Hanukkah holiday, someone decided to vandalize the Michigan State University Chabad Jewish Center in downtown East Lansing – first by hurling rocks at its windows and two days later by adding spray-painted Nazi swastikas to its front door and tossing more rocks.

East Lansing police believe video footage shows the exact same person behind both incidents, and they’re treating them as possible hate crimes. Authorities have released images of the suspect and are urging the public to come forward with tips or video that could lead to an arrest. The incidents occurred just after midnight on Dec. 16 and another between 3–4 a.m. on Dec. 18.

Campus and community condemnations.

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While no one was inside during the vandalism and physical injuries were avoided, the emotional impact hasn’t been shrugged off. Michigan State University’s President Kevin Guskiewicz condemned the acts, stressing that antisemitism – or any form of hate – has no place on campus. Local, state and national leaders echoed that sentiment, emphasizing support for the Jewish community and condemning hate.

Chabad’s response: more light, less retreat.

MSU Chabad’s leadership responded with a message rooted in the holiday’s symbolism: “when darkness increases, so must light.” Rather than retreating, they pledged to keep celebrating and supporting Jewish life on campus, even amid rising antisemitic acts nationally and globally.

Poll shows antisemitism concerns skyrocketing as campus incidents grow.

A recent Napolitan News Service poll reported by Michigan News Source found that nearly three in four voters nationwide (74%) say antisemitism is a serious problem in the United States, a marked increase from just over half in 2022. This rising concern reflects broader public awareness of antisemitic incidents, including those on college campuses like at MSU where Jewish students have reported feeling targeted and unsafe.