Anti-Semitic Graffiti, Swastika Damages Memorial And Synagogue In Spokane
02/10/2021
Police in Spokane, Wash., are looking for the man caught on security camera damaging a Holocaust memorial and defacing a local synagogue with swastikas and more.
Members of Temple Beth Shalom discovered the damage to the memorial, which sits on their grounds, and the Nazi symbols when they arrived at the synagogue on Monday morning. The use of Nazi symbols was particularly rattling as Temple Beth Shalom houses a Torah scroll that survived the Holocaust.
“Spokane is a community that welcomes different faiths and protects the ability of people to practice those beliefs safely and freely in their places of worship,” said Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward in a statement. “The symbols and writings are disgusting and desecrate a place of worship and a memorial to those whose lives were lost during a hateful time in world history.”
According to the Spokane Police, the suspect is a white male who was “wearing blue jeans, black boots, a dark-colored jacket with hood, a dark-colored beanie style stocking cap, black gloves, a red mask and sunglasses on his head.”
Temple Beth Shalom’s board of trustees issued a statement on Monday noting that they are saddened by the vandalism, but thankful for the community for their support.
Read More: JNS