LOWER MERION — Another anti-Semitic act of vandalism hit Lower Merion this week when a Swastika was found spray-painted on a sign outside a synagogue in Wynnewood.
On Sunday morning, March 31, just after 8 a.m., Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El officials reported the incident to police.
In a photo that was posted on its Facebook page, someone spray-painted a Swastika over a sign reading, “Our community stands with Israel.”
“We do not know who did this. We do know that they wanted us to be afraid. 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,” according to a post on Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El’s social media site.
On Monday night, a service was held and streamed online at Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El.
“We need to do something that would drive whoever painted that symbol crazy. Were they trying to make us afraid to come to synagogue? Clearly, they failed. Keep showing up,” Rabbi Ethan Witkovsky said in front of a very large crowd attending Monday night’s service. “Your presence in a synagogue tonight is a testament to your commitment to being a part of the people and kindling that flame.”
According to officials from Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El, this was the second incident over the previous week.