A student has admitted to his role in the etching of swastikas inside and outside of a Jewish student’s off-campus apartment Friday night.
In a written statement to The Quindecim, Julian Rees ’09 said he carved a swastika on Shira Zemel ’09’s bathroom wall. (His complete statement follows this story.)
Rees, who is Jewish, said that he did not sketch three other swastikas found outside of Zemel’s apartment. Other swastikas were found outside of her apartment door and down the hall near elevators (see picture on right).
So far, no one has taken responsibility for those three swastikas, which were apparently etched with a key. The swastika Rees carved in the bathroom was done with a pocketknife.
“…Although I am currently the sole suspect for all acts in this investigation, there is a good deal of evidence to suggest that I am not responsible for the markings in the hallway…” Rees said in an e-mail.
Zemel, who agreed to be identified, said she believes Rees is responsible for only the swastika in her bathroom.
Rees is active in campus life. He is a member of judicial board, confirmed Scott Eckhardt, director of Community Living. He also is the president of the Goucher Ambassadors, confirmed Lynn Alonso, who is a receptionist in the Office of Admissions.
A spokesman with the Baltimore County Police Department said that they are not ready to announce whether there is a suspect in the case, though officers out of the Towson precinct will be conducting more interviews today.
The swastikas were all drawn during a party Friday night sometime between 10:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. Saturday morning, both Zemel and the police said.
Rees said he takes full responsibility for his actions.
This is a developing story and we will have more details as they become available both in print and online.
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