U.S. Sen. John Fetterman condemned people who he said “defaced” Braddock’s Free Store sometime Wednesday night.
So did several Jewish organizations in a joint statement Thursday that called the incident “inappropriate and counterproductive.”
In a post on the social media platform X, Fetterman shared a photo of a banner hanging at the nonprofit store on Braddock Avenue with an inflammatory message targeting Fetterman and his wife, Gisele, over the senator’s public support for Israel. Gisele Fetterman founded the Free Store.
“Since 10/7/23, I’m used to the vandalism at our home or my office,” Fetterman said, referring to the date Hamas-led militant groups launched deadly attacks in southern Israel that started war in the Gaza Strip.
“But Gisele and volunteers distribute food, clothing and formula at no cost to our community — and they shouldn’t have to put up with this,” Fetterman added in the post.
People defaced the FreeStore in Braddock last night.
— U.S. Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) April 3, 2025
Since 10/7/23, I’m used to the vandalism at our home or my office.
But Gisele and volunteers distribute food, clothing and formula at no cost to our community—and they shouldn’t have to put up with this. pic.twitter.com/3hQCOGj2AO
The Free Store was open as scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, according to Gisele Fetterman.
“We were as busy as ever with shoppers and donors,” she said.
A joint statement was issued Thursday by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg and the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition.
They collectively condemned the incident, saying the “attack on a charitable institution dedicated to fighting poverty and offering vital support is inappropriate and counterproductive.”
Targeting individuals or businesses because they support Israel is nothing more than antisemitism, according to the group’s statement.
“Accusing the Free Store and its founder, Gisele Fetterman, of having blood on their hands is a baseless and malicious act,” the statement continued. “It harms the vulnerable individuals who rely on its services and does nothing to support the Palestinian people in Gaza.
“Attacking a charitable organization that serves those in need crosses a line that should never be approached, and only deepens division and pain.”
Gisele Fetterman said the Free Store has been open for 14 years and serves an estimated 100 families an hour. It is run entirely by volunteers. The Fetterman family lives in Braddock.
“We’re a nonprofit that has nothing to do with politics, so it’s frustrating to have to experience that,” Gisele Fetterman said of the overnight incident.
She said U.S. Capitol Police were notified. Capitol Police, which are charged with protecting members of Congress and their families, did not have additional information.
