A day after members of the Wright State University community saw the message “KILL BIBI” painted on the campus rock, the administration painted over it. Bibi is Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s nickname. One Wright State student emailed a photo of the rock with that message to The Observer after seeing it Sunday afternoon, April 12. The student also emailed the photo to the university administration and reported it to the Anti-Defamation League.

Dean of Students Eric Corbitt confirmed the university had painted over the message. “The statement included language that was concerning in nature, and once brought to our attention, was removed consistent with our responsibility to address content that may be perceived as threatening,” he added. “We recognize messages of this nature can be deeply concerning, particularly for members of our community who may feel targeted or impacted.”

ADL Regional Director Kelly Fishman said she appreciates Wright State’s quick response. Even if “KILL BIBI” wasn’t overtly antisemitic, she noted, it contributes to a climate of fear and intimidation that impacts Jews and Israelis. “When hateful rhetoric is normalized on campus, Jewish students pay the price.”

— Marshall Weiss

To read the complete May 2026 Dayton Jewish Observer, click here.