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Vandalism at Case Western Reserve University described as 'antisemitic' by school officials

Parts of the courtyard outside CWRU were covered in red spray paint. Pictures from students on campus showed red handprints on the Samuel H. Miller Plaza.

CLEVELAND — An investigation is underway at Cleveland's Case Western Reserve University for what school officials call "antisemitic" graffiti that has popped up across campus. 

Parts of the courtyard outside CWRU are covered in red spray paint. Pictures from students on campus show red handprints on the Samuel H. Miller Plaza.

3News showed a video of a portion of the damage to both a Jewish and Palestinian CWRU student for their reactions.

"I think the worst thing about it is that it stopped being shocking anymore," said Adam Saar.

Saar is a third-year student and president of the Jewish Student Union. He said the vandalism could be seen across campus. 

"There was also red paint all over a main walkway on campus as well as many other defaced surfaces, clearly trying to bring intimidation to our campus and fear into the students here at Case," he added.

Adam Hamdan is Palestinian and also a third-year student at Case Western. While he did not express support for any perceived antisemitism, he says he understands the anger some may have about the current situation in the Middle East.

"That's not my way of going about it, but I completely understand why somebody would want do that," he said. "I have family members who have been affected, so I could see why somebody would rationalize that. Their intentions is definitely to just be seen."

In a statement, CWRU said the following about the graffiti: 

"Overnight, a group of individuals vandalized multiple buildings, structures and artwork on our campus with paint and glued posters, some of which included what the university considers antisemitic language and symbols. Our facilities staff has been working since early this morning to clear the vandalism, repair the damage and restore our campus. We strongly condemn the actions of these individuals and are investigating the incidents. Any individual found to have been involved in vandalizing our campus will be subject to the relevant university conduct process and criminal charges."

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