Pennsylvania Jews rally against antisemitism after graffiti at synagogue

• Published date: 05 April 2024
• Author: MICHAEL STARR
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

A sign in front of Wynnewood synagogue Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El declaring "Our Community Stands With Israel" was vandalized on March 22, and after the sign was replaced, a red swastika was spray painted on it on Saturday night

"We do not know who did this. We do know that they wanted us to be afraid," said the synagogue leadership in a Sunday statement. "A swastika is not a commentary on the policies of the State of Israel, nor is it a sign of solidarity with Palestinians. It is a symbol of hatred and division. We, the leadership of the synagogue, want everyone to know that we will not give in to either fear or division. We are blessed to live in a society in which hate speech is not tolerated by the police, who are working with us to keep us safe. We are blessed to live in a society where our neighbors of other faiths have already reached out to offer support."

The JFGP condemned the vandalism, saying that they stood with the synagogue and that as levels of antisemitism increased, "we must work together as a community to make it clear that hate has no place here.'

Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El held a special service attended by local leaders on Monday night. Rabbis, cantors, and Jewish educators across the community joined together at the altar to sing Oseh Shalom. Rabbi Ethan Witkovsky said in a sermon that whoever had tagged the sign had failed in their effort to make the community afraid to attend...