Swastikas Painted on Orthodox Synagogue in Harrisburg, PA

Red swastikas were painted on the entrance of the Kesher Israel Synagogue in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The Harrisburg Police Department is investigating the vandalism, WGAL 8 News reported.

The red swastikas were stenciled onto the main entrance of the Orthodox synagogue. The congregation’s rabbi, Rabbi Elisha Friendman said, “I do believe law enforcement believes this was done using a stencil, but I don’t think they see it as a wave of anti-Semitic graffiti. There is a rise in anti-Semitic incidents in general, but I don’t think law enforcement believes we are in imminent danger.”

Thankfully, no one was hurt and the swastikas have since been removed from the building’s facade. Rabbi Friedman stated that the Pennsylvania State Police Office of Heritage Affairs is helping the congregation with security in light of the incident. Initially, the FBI was called to assist with the investigation, however the case has been turned over to the Harrisburg Police Department.

Kesher Israel Congregation is an Orthodox synagogue in the Uptown neighborhood of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the state’s capital. Founded in 1902, it is officially affiliated with the Orthodox Union.

Harrisburg is the latest American city to experience the anti-Semitic targeting of Jewish sites after a series of incidents in recent weeks in Massachusetts, New Mexico, Virginia, and South Carolina.

Read More: https://bit.ly/3kyWsmJ