30 Mercer Island Residents Protest Hate Graffiti

In response to the rash of hate-related graffiti on Mercer Island schools this week, 30 residents showed their support for their community’s diversity Friday at the main intersection in town. Homemade signs read,” Kids say No to Hate”, “We support Yeshiva High School”, “Don’t spray pain our schools,” “Tomorrow depends on today.” “Stop Hate on Mercer Island,” and more.

It all started when Mercer Island mom Rebecca Warriner became outraged about the graphic anti-Semitic graffiti on Yeshiva High School. She texted a friend, “I’m so mad! I want to stand on Island Crest Way with a big sign that says this won’t be tolerated in our community.” The sentiment took off.

Using facebook and email, she rounded up friends.

“Tomorrow is Yom Kippur, so many of our Jewish neighbors will not be able to join us. And, quite frankly, I hate the idea of them needing to do so on one of the holiest days of their year. So, I feel it is even more important that our community rally and balance out the negativity of these actions.”

Fire engines, people on their way to Yom Kippur services and soccer games, and teenagers alike on their way honked and waved.