The Michigan State University Chabad Jewish Center in East Lansing was vandalized twice over the recent Hanukkah holiday, with police now investigating the incidents as possible hate crimes and asking the public for help identifying a suspect. The attacks — involving rock-throwing and swastika graffiti — come amid rising concerns about antisemitism on college campuses nationwide.
Local law enforcement reports that on Dec. 16, 2025, shortly after midnight, surveillance footage captured an individual repeatedly throwing rocks at the Chabad Jewish Center’s building in downtown East Lansing. Initially treated as criminal destruction of property, the incident caused damage to several windows. Two days later, between 3:00 and 4:00 a.m. on Dec. 18, the same individual is believed to have returned, spray-painting Nazi swastikas and the phrase “he’s back” on the center’s front door before again throwing rocks and causing further damage.
The East Lansing Police Department released surveillance images of a hooded suspect and is urging residents to come forward with any tips or video footage that might help identify the person responsible. Investigators now consider the two acts potentially linked and motivated by hate, given the symbols used and timing during the Jewish Festival of Lights.
Leaders of the MSU Chabad community expressed that while the incidents were deeply upsetting, they remain committed to their mission and refuse to be intimidated. In social media posts, Chabad’s directors referenced the spirit of Hanukkah, emphasizing resilience and the importance of bringing light into the world despite darkness.
Michigan State University President Kevin Guskiewicz issued a statement condemning the acts of antisemitic vandalism. He acknowledged the broader impact such hatred has on the Jewish community and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to safety and inclusion for all students, staff, and families. Guskiewicz noted that even property damage reverberates beyond the physical, particularly for those who already feel vulnerable to antisemitism.
Campus officials and community leaders have highlighted that the incidents come at a time when antisemitic threats and harassment remain a pressing concern worldwide. In the wake of violent attacks targeting Jewish communities elsewhere, such acts of vandalism are seen as part of a troubling trend affecting Jewish institutions, including student centers.
University administrators stress that resources are available for anyone affected, and they continue working with law enforcement to ensure accountability and prevent further incidents. The investigation remains active as police seek public assistance in identifying the suspect and bringing them to justice.
