WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
A pro-Israel banner in the front of the University of Florida Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house was slashed Sunday night.
The word “Israel” on the banner reading “AEPi Stands with Israel” on display at 2303 Fraternity Drive was slashed.
The University of Florida Police Department reported the incident early Monday and was still investigating the criminal mischief incident as of Monday afternoon, according to UFPD Captain Latrell Simmons.
UF Hillel shared a photo of the vandalized banner on Instagram claiming the incident occurred overnight.
“The cowardly vandalism to the ‘AEPI Stands with Israel’ banner in front of the chapter house overnight will not deter us,” UF Hillel wrote. “We are working with law enforcement to determine those responsible and ensure the ongoing safety of Jewish and pro-Israel students.”
UF Gators for Israel shared a statement about the vandalism to its Instagram condemning any acts of hate against the Jewish community.
“We saw antisemitism come to our very own backyard,” the organization wrote.
UF Spokesperson Cynthia Roldan said UFPD has increased patrols around AEPi and is asking for any information that may lead to the arrest of those responsible.
UFPD asks for anyone with information to report it to its Silent Witness portal online or call 352-392-1111.
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