A retired rabbi and his son in Milwaukee have been ordered to pay $1,000 in restitution for destroying a mural that depicted a Star of David transforming into a swastika. The mural, installed in 2024 by property owner Ihsan Atta, also included the phrase 'The irony of becoming what you once hated' and imagery referencing destruction in Gaza. The rabbi pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge and was fined $50, while his son pleaded guilty and received 25 hours of community service.

The two men admitted they used tools to tear down the mural despite knowing it was illegal, saying they believed it endangered the local Jewish community. The mural had previously been condemned by local Jewish organizations and the Milwaukee City Council.

During the sentencing hearing, Atta praised Hamas and was briefly removed from the courtroom before returning to complete the proceedings. The judge instructed him to refrain from unrelated political comments. After the hearing, Atta criticized the court, while the rabbi’s son said the courtroom exchange reinforced his belief that the mural had promoted antisemitism.