The Michigan home of the US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel has been vandalised with the word “NAZIS” spray-painted on the fence.
The incident took place last week and local police have launched an investigation. The Jewish US diplomat was not home at the time.
Berrien County Sheriff’s Office said there was no attempt at a break-in on Emanuel's home in Union Pier and the former mayor quickly arranged for the word to be removed.
Emanuel, formerly the mayor of Chicago and considered one of former President Barack Obama's closest confidantes, said his family was “very proud of how our friends, neighbours and the community have rallied to our support and in a singular voice in condemning hatred and bigotry”.
He also thanked “local law enforcement for their diligence, swiftness and seriousness in which they have addressed this crime.”
David Goldenberg, Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Midwest regional director, condemned the incident.
This was scrawled on the fence outside the MI home of @RahmEmanuel.
— David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) November 20, 2023
It's despicable. It's disgusting.
It's just one more flashing red light.
Stop the hate. Stop the antisemitism and Islamophobia.
We know where it leads! pic.twitter.com/pM8lNLP1Wu
He said: “Unfortunately, it's not that surprising. The brazenness with which people are expressing their antisemitism, and their hate has gone up dramatically.”
Former Obama chief campaign strategist David Axelrod said on X/Twitter: “It’s despicable. It’s disgusting. It’s just one more flashing red light.
“Stop the hate. Stop the antisemitism and Islamophobia. We know where it leads!”
Emanuel and his wife, Amy Rule, have maintained their home in Michigan for decades using the property for holidays. The pair married in June 1994.
He served as mayor of Chicago between 2011 and 2019 and former US president Barack Obama’s chief of staff between from 2009 until 2010.
The incident comes amid rising antisemitism across the US as the Israel-Hamas war enters its second month.
Recent figures released by the ADL showed a 300% rise in antisemitism across the US since the start of the conflict.
There were 832 incidents between October 7 and November 7 – an average of 28 a day.
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