In the early hours of Sunday morning, a brick was thrown through the window of The Butcherie, a kosher grocery store in Brookline, Massachusetts. Written on that brick in large red letters were the words “Free Palestine.” This wasn’t a random act of vandalism — it was a targeted message, aimed at a visibly Jewish business, during a time of global tension. That is what makes it more than vandalism. It’s an act of intimidation. It’s a hate crime.

This kind of violence has no place in Boston or anywhere in Massachusetts. When a local Jewish-owned store is attacked for its identity — for displaying a map of Israel, for serving its community — it’s not just one window that’s shattered. It’s the sense of safety and belonging for every Jewish family in our city.

Governor Maura Healey has called the attack “deeply concerning and totally unacceptable,” and she’s right. But concern is not enough. We need action.

We are calling on the City of Boston, Brookline Police, and the Massachusetts Attorney General to fully investigate this attack as a hate crime, increase security and visibility around Jewish-owned businesses and institutions, and send a clear message: antisemitic violence will not be tolerated here.

Boston has long prided itself on being a city where people of all backgrounds can live, worship, and do business in peace. That promise must be defended — especially when it’s under attack.

Sign this petition if you believe our Jewish neighbors deserve to feel safe. Not just in Brookline. Not just this week. Always.

[Photo Credit: NBC Boston]