Police investigate swastika scratched into Utah synagogue door

Police are investigating a swastika that was scratched into the door of a Utah synagogue last week.

Utah’s Rabbi Avremi Zippel uploaded photos of the graffiti to his Twitter and Instagram accounts, adding “We will not cower in fear.”

Rabbi Zippel stated: “A swastika is not a political statement. A swastika is an image of hate. A swastika represents one thing and one thing only and that is death to the Jews. Swastikas in 2021 are not something we expect to deal with.”

He added that, while his congregation would be alright, they were “a bit shaken up. We will rise above hatred. We will never give it the space and the attention that it demands and that it wants. We will live to fight another day and bring light to a world that so much needs it.”

The Mayor of Salt Lake County, Jenny Wilson, condemned the vandalism, tweeting: “I stand with Utah’s Jewish Community. Hate and bigotry have no place in our community.”

Former Presidential candidate and Utah Senator, Mitt Romney, said: “Those who commit acts of vandalism against Jews or their places of worship in Salt Lake City or anywhere else only disgrace their own souls.”

Police are currently surveying the video footage, which they said was difficult as it was dark, but they believe that the suspect is a male who seemed to be “tall and was wearing dark clothing.”

Utah police are asking anyone with information to call them, at 801-799-3000.

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