Philadelphia police investigating vandalism at Philly's Jewish History Museum

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police are investigating after the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History was vandalized early Monday morning.

Red spray paint covered an Israeli Flag, the building's facade, and part of its plaza at the corner of 5th and Market streets in Old City.

"I don't know a lot about the Weitzman Institute, but I know enough about that conflict over there; that's it's a sad thing," said Shaka Davis of Glenside.

Many believe the red paint symbolizes blood, referencing the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. It was a concerning display for visitors to the city not far from the Liberty Bell.

"It's kind of a form of anti-Israel and possibly anti-Semitism," said Wendy Kaplan of Jasper, Georgia. "I know these protests are going on around the country, so I'm kind of like, not really surprised, but to see it is always a little shocking."

Crews worked to remove the paint Monday evening. Police say this is the second incident in just over a week-an identical act of vandalism was reported on Aug. 18, also between 4:30 and 5 a.m.

Authorities are working to identify a suspect.

Deena Kalker is a college student in Israel, visiting Philadelphia with her father from New York.

"I'm sad. I'm hurt. I'm scared. I live in a country that's at war, and I feel 10 times safer there. It makes me sad that people see the flag and that's what they think," Kalker said.

In response, a museum spokesperson issued a statement:

"The Israeli flag on the faade of our museum was twice vandalized...we would replace the Israeli flag with a sign calling for the return of the hostages ahead of the incomprehensible two-year anniversary of October 7."

The damage to the building served as a reminder for some about the war's effect at home.

"I'm not angry. If anything, it just makes me aware of what's happening outside our country," Davis said. "There are other conflicts that exist outside of America that we need to pay attention to."

Police say their investigation into both incidents remains ongoing.

"As the nation's Jewish museum, there can never be any misunderstanding as to our identity and positions: we are a proudly Jewish and proudly Zionist institution," the museum statement said.

The new signs are expected to be installed within the next week or so, officials said.