Swastikas painted on historically Jewish fraternity (@atlantasmiles / Twitter)

The vandalism included spray-painted swastikas that coincided with the end of Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year for Jewish people. As a historically Jewish fraternity, many of the brothers took the vandalism as an opportunity to speak out against hate crimes and acts of violence.

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In a statement to Buzzfeed, the brothers of AEPI said:

“The prejudiced individuals who conducted this outrageous offense succeeded in the intentions of making us feel unwelcomed, ostracized, and unsafe in this “home” we call Emory University.”

The brothers further called on the Emory community at large to “be an influential leader in stifling the perpetuation of such acts of inhumanity.”

Since the act, the University is doing everything in its power to protect its students and to keep hateful acts like this from happening again. Emory University has increased their security patrols in the area and the University and police are investigating the crime with all intention of finding the perpetrators.

In a message to the Emory community, Emory President, Jim Wagner said, “Emory University will not tolerate such acts” and called on the greater Emory community to “pledge Emory University’s continuing commitment to raise awareness and prevent all forms of violence and discrimination.”

In an effort to raise awareness, students at Emory were asked to wear blue on the Monday following the incident. According to students at the University, the effort was successful at demonstrating support for AEPi and the Emory community at large, but lacked conclusivenss. 

"While it is good to see the community come together and wear blue in support of the Emory Jewish community, I feel that nothing can make the situation better unless the person or persons who performed the anti-semitic act are caught," said Cherise Woods, a junior at Emory.

Reach Contributor Isabel Lanaux here.