Mayor slams “hate crime” as synagogue in Spokane, WA is vandalised
A synagogue in Spokane, Washington was vandalised with swastikas and antisemitic graffiti on 8th February.
Police are trying to identify the perpetrator of the vandalism at Temple Beth Shalom, who was allegedly caught on surveillance video.
The congregation’s Rabbi Tamar Malino told local news that a white power symbol was also painted on a window. She said that it was “horribly upsetting and frightening” to know that there was “that much hatred out there”. She added that she believed that this was more troubling than an incident five years ago, saying that this was “really different” from a small chalked image; this time the perpetrator used “big, bold red writing on the outside of the building.”
Mayor Nadine Woodward called it “a hate crime” and said that the symbols and writings were “disgusting” and “desecrate a place of worship.” The Mayor added: “This type of hate and divisiveness in our community will never be tolerated.”
Describing the incident as “reprehensible”, Police Chief Craig Meidl said: “There is no place for hate-mongering in our community.” He said that police were committed to doing everything possible to arrest the perpetrator. “We will always stand with those who are the target of hate and bigotry,” he declared.
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Image credit: Spokane Police Department