Man Charged with Antisemitic Vandalism at Baltimore Israeli-Owned Business

Jonathon Wagner, 39, has been charged with multiple counts of malicious destruction of property, including a hate crime based on race and religion, after vandalizing an Israeli-owned business in Baltimore County. Wagner spray-painted red paint on the storefront and obscured security cameras, targeting Kitchen Design by Idan, which prominently displays Israeli flags. The business owner, Idan Tzameret, reported previous antisemitic incidents, including swastikas and hostile posters, but remains committed to displaying Israeli flags as a statement against hate. The vandalism is part of a broader rise in antisemitic and anti-Muslim incidents amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, reflecting heightened tensions and hate crimes reported by the FBI in 2024. Local officials, including Baltimore County Councilman Izzy Patoka, condemned the attack and emphasized zero tolerance for antisemitism. Wagner is scheduled to appear in court on October 7, and authorities are seeking additional information from the public.