PONTIAC, Mich. (WWJ) — A 51-year-old homeless man is facing a felony hate crime charge after allegedly vandalizing an Oak Park synagogue with antisemitic slurs and Nazi symbols.
Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald announced Friday that David Justin Gorevitz has been charged with Hate Crime – Malicious Destruction of Personal Property. If convicted, the charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
According to the prosecutor's office, Gorevitz drew the hateful graffiti on the exterior of Congregation Beth Shalom on April 19. Staff members discovered the vandalism at approximately 9 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22, and immediately contacted authorities.
Oak Park Public Safety officers identified Gorevitz by reviewing surveillance footage from the synagogue. Investigators noted that officers recognized him as an individual who was known to frequent the area.
Police took Gorevitz into custody without incident at approximately 9:30 a.m. Thursday near the intersection of 12 Mile Road and Coolidge Highway.
“Attacks on Jewish houses of worship threaten the safety of congregants and undermine one of our nation’s most fundamental values: freedom of religion,” McDonald said in a news release. “Antisemitism and religious intolerance of any kind have no place in our communities.”
In response to the incident, the city of Oak Park announced it is stepping up local security measures out of an abundance of caution. Police say they will maintain an increased presence around places of worship, schools, parks, and other community gathering spaces.
In a joint statement, Oak Park City Manager Erik Tungate and Public Safety Director Steve Cooper condemned the incident, emphasizing that the city is committed to ensuring all community members feel secure.
Oak Park officials are urging residents to remain vigilant. Anyone who observes suspicious activity is asked to call 911 in an emergency or contact Oak Park Public Safety for non-emergencies at 248-691-7520.
