Gov. Wes Moore on Tuesday condemned antisemitic and anti-Israel graffiti that was found on the exterior of a Montgomery County elementary school over the weekend.

“Such hate has no place in our schools or our state, especially as we begin Jewish American Heritage Month,” Moore wrote on social media. “Our administration is working closely with local authorities to combat this hate and stomp out antisemitism in all its forms.”

Montgomery County school officials said the vandalism was discovered on May 2 at Greenwood Elementary School in Brookeville and reported to local police. Expletives and other harmful language expressed anti-Israel sentiment, referenced Israeli leadership and included a drawing of the Star of David, Principal Jennifer Seidel said in a letter to parents.

Seidel told families that the graffiti was found on the outside wall of the school near the kitchen entrance and metal covering near their roof line. The incident prompted the school system’s security team to increase their monitoring and patrols of the school and surrounding areas, Seidel said. The principal also made counselors and psychologists available to students and families on Monday.

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“I am beyond saddened by this incident, and as your principal, I am concerned about the social-emotional impact this will have for those who work and attend our school, but also for those living in our community,” Seidel said in her letter. “We work to ensure a welcoming environment for all students and families at Greenwood Elementary, rooted in kindness and respect for everyone.”

Building service staff covered the graffiti on Sunday and worked to permanently remove it on Monday, Seidel said.

The Montgomery County Police Department is aware of the vandalism and is investigating, spokesperson Shiera Goff said in an email Tuesday evening.

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