Courtesy of JNS. Photo credit: AlexiusHoratius via Wikimedia Commons
Temple Israel in Minneapolis, Minn
(JNS) — Temple Israel in Minneapolis, the largest synagogue in Minnesota, was vandalized on Monday morning with spray-painted swastikas, city law enforcement stated.
Police say the crime is under investigation and that they have taken steps to address safety concerns at the synagogue.
Surveillance footage shows the suspect wearing a white hoodie, black face covering, black jogger pants and tan boots who, in less than two minutes, spray-painted two swastikas on doors and a pillar outside the building before fleeing in a silver Honda Civic.
A delegation of Minneapolis legislators condemned the crime, stating that it is “committed to uplifting and protecting the safety and freedom of religion for all of our constituents.”
“We are horrified to see these hateful symbols on Temple Israel,” the legislators said. “Regardless of one’s background, ethnicity or race, we must all condemn this vile act of hatred together. By taking a stand against antisemitism, we will create a more inclusive — and tolerant society for all.”
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who is Jewish, wrote in response to the crime that “when hate is embraced or tolerated, it is emboldened.”
“I’ve seen antisemitism increase over the last year, yet too few have spoken out against it, opting for the safety of silence,” he wrote. “No matter one’s ethnicity or race, when any group is targeted, it’s on all of us to condemn it.”
Keith Ellison, Minnesota’s attorney general, said his office is monitoring the situation and “will never hesitate to step in to protect Minnesota’s Jewish community, our religious freedoms, and basic human decency.”
“Painting swastikas on a synagogue is an appalling act of hate that no one should tolerate,” Ellison added. “It is a direct threat to Jewish Minnesotans and a stark reminder to all of us that we must stand with each other to protect our shared values and one another.”
