05/11/2026
Statement Against Antisemitic Vandalism and Misuse of Scripture in Lisbon, WI
We, the leadership of Congregation Emanu-El of Waukesha, are deeply disturbed and heartbroken by the cowardly act of vandalism discovered at the Lisbon Village Hall and 9/11 memorial over the weekend. We consider the presence of antisemitic graffiti as a direct attack on us. It was designed to incite fear, intimidation, and division within our Waukesha County communities. We appreciate the Waukesha Sheriff’s swift action in investigating this hate crime and encourage anyone with information to come forward.
We strongly condemn this act of hate. Such hate speech, which often attempts to weaponize religious scripture, is an abhorrent distortion of faith. Specifically, referencing passages like Matthew 6—which Christians should know calls for humility, charity, and inner piety—in the context of vandalism is a perversion of the text's core message of love and spiritual integrity. Misusing scripture to justify bigotry is a gross misrepresentation of its purpose. Misinterpreting these passages has contributed to the persecution of Jewish communities by painting our traditions with the brush of inauthenticity or malice.
All Americans should also be appalled at the desecration of the 9/11 memorial. More than mere destruction of property, it is a profound act of disrespect aimed at the heart of our nation. By defacing this sacred space, which honors the thousands of innocent lives lost in the September 11 attack, vandals insult the memory of victims, the courage of first responders, and the still grieving families.
Hate has no place in our community. We are comforted in the knowledge that our interfaith partners stand in solidarity with the Jewish community, reaffirming that all of our neighbors—regardless of race, religion, or identity—are valued, safe, and welcome. We remain committed to educating against prejudice and fostering a community built on respect and understanding.
Congregation Emanu-El of Waukesha
Cantor Martin Levson, Spiritual Leader
Loren Schmidt, President
Mark Levy, Vice President
