SPOKANE, Wash. – Several members of the Spokane City Council issued statements in response to the vandalism of a pro-Israel message displayed at a church in Spokane’s South Hill neighborhood.
Council members Paul Dillon and Lili Navarrete of District 2 condemned the vandalism and what they described as “hate” directed at Plymouth Congregational Church over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
“The City of Spokane has taken significant steps to promote and foster inclusivity, and we condemn hate of any kind, including defacement of or on any property of a place of worship. As the representatives of District 2, we fully denounce the vandalism at Plymouth Congregational Church in the Cliff Cannon neighborhood, and we are working with the Spokane Police Department and Code Enforcement in their response. While we support the exchange of ideas and philosophies, the destruction of any property, including religious or sacred property, is unacceptable. Recently, the community has experienced a surge of antisemitic incidents, and these acts of hate will not be tolerated in the City of Spokane. These types of crimes negatively impact the entire community and affect many people’s perceived safety, inclusion, and ability to participate freely in Spokane’s civic sphere. We believe in the basic right of all people to live in a safe environment free from discrimination, intimidation, threats, or fear,” said Council Member Dillon.
“The recent vandalism at Plymouth Congregational Church is not only disturbing but despicable. This act of disrespect damages property and undermines our community’s values, which are built on faith and trust. Places of worship should be sanctuaries of peace and acceptance, and such acts of vandalism can cause deep emotional pain to those who find solace within those walls. We stand united in our call for justice and urge anyone with information to come forward. Let us work together to promote understanding and healing in our community,” Council Member Navarrete said.
The incident occurred sometime between Wednesday and Saturday, when a digital sign at Plymouth Congregational Church, which displayed the message “We Stand With Israel” along with the Star of David, was spray-painted with the word “genocide.”
Council Member Bingle also issued a statement on Sunday regarding the vandalism:
“This is a blatant attack not just on a house of worship but on the freedoms of speech, religion, and expression that are the cornerstone of our nation,” Bingle said. “The people of Spokane will not tolerate hateful and cowardly attempts to intimidate those who stand for their values and principles.”
“This isn’t the first time Plymouth Congregational Church has been targeted for standing on principle,” Bingle continued. “These repeated attacks demonstrate the urgent need for leaders to defend the rights of churches and individuals to express their beliefs without fear of harassment or violence.”
