Two swastikas were found on the entrance of Kesher Israel Congregation in Harrisburg, Pa., on Aug. 10, according to various media reports.
Rabbi Elisha Friedman told PennLive.com that he found the swastikas painted in red that morning; authorities believe the vandalism occurred sometime during the night. Police don’t think there is an imminent threat to those attending the synagogue.
“I don’t think this is a shock but it’s upsetting to know there are people out there who are disturbed … who hate because you are different or a minority,” Friedman said.
The swastikas have since been removed and the community is planning an interfaith gathering to show support for Kesher Israel Congregation.
“The community is very supportive — the Jewish and the non-Jewish community, law enforcement, elected officials and neighbors,” Friedman said.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Philadelphia chapter tweeted that the Aug. 10 vandalism was the third time in less than a month that a Pennsylvania synagogue has been targeted with such graffiti.
“Sadly, this is part of a larger trend: #antisemitic incidents against Jewish institutions more-than-tripled in #Pennsylvania last year, contributing to the second-highest number incidents in the state’s recorded history,” the Jewish group tweeted.
It added in a subsequent tweet that the Jewish community will not cower at the perpetrators’ attempt to terrorize them.
“We thank law enforcement for their response to this incident, and we urge investigators and prosecutors to pursue this as a hate crime,” ADL Philadelphia tweeted. “We are heartened to see the Harrisburg community come together to support Kesher Israel. Together, can we make Pennsylvania #NoPlaceForHate.”
Sadly, this is part of a larger trend: #antisemitic incidents against Jewish institutions more-than-tripled in #Pennsylvania last year, contributing to the second-highest number incidents in the state's recorded history. Our recent report: https://t.co/YRJTYmoH8s pic.twitter.com/UnpXBEq2ps
— ADL Philadelphia (@ADLPhiladelphia) August 10, 2020
We thank law enforcement for their response to this incident, and we urge investigators and prosecutors to pursue this as a hate crime. We are heartened to see the Harrisburg community come together to support Kesher Israel. Together, can we make Pennsylvania #NoPlaceforHate.
— ADL Philadelphia (@ADLPhiladelphia) August 10, 2020
