TPD investigates vandalism at Tucson synagogue

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TUCSON, Arizona (KOLD News 13) – Police are investigating a report of vandalism in a synagogue in Tucson, which community members call an act of hatred.

“It wasn’t just a phone call, it was a picture of that huge gaping hole in the door of the synagogue,” said Stephanie Aaron, rabbi for the Chavrim congregation.

At around 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 20, Aaron received a photo of the damage caused by falling rocks through the front door of her Shalom or Peace place.

“Experiencing this act of hatred with us feels really upsetting,” said Aaron.

It is not the first time that this synagogue has fallen victim to vandals.

Aaron says she now knows it is time to get up and use her voice to call for peace.

“Another rabbi in town, Rabbi Ceitlin, said someone will poke you once, twice, she will poke you the third time, get up and be strong,” Aaron said.

“An attack on a community is an attack on any community,” said Yehuda Ceitlin, the rabbi of Chabad Tucson.

Chabad Tucson is about five miles down the street from where the vandalism occurred. In the past week alone, he has seen an increase in anti-Semitic hate crimes across the country.

“A kosher restaurant in Los Angeles, someone was injured there; a Jewish student at the University of New Mexico and someone in Brooklyn, ”said Ceitlin. “Someone commented that it seems free for everyone to attack Jewish people now.”

Ceitlin and Aaron say this of all things – it is best to stay strong and not be afraid to show faith.

“Our message to everyone now is: Don’t hide your Jarmulke,” said Ceitlin. “Don’t hide your Judaism or who you are. Stand strong and know that the entire fellowship is out there with everyone. “

Copyright 2021 KOLD News 13. All rights reserved.

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