Police Investigate Anti-Semitic Graffiti on Newtown Synagogue

NEWTOWN —Police are investigating anti-Semitic graffiti painted on the Adath Israel Synagogue.

The graffiti was discovered on the front and side walls of the synagogue by an officer of the Newtown Police Department performing building checks on Saturday morning at 7:30.

"As an agency we are extremely disturbed at this act of defacing a house of worship, in particular the meaning and symbolism painted on the walls of the synagogue espouse hatred which is not indicative of this community. This serious hate crime will be given the full attention of this agency, while utilizing other law enforcement resources to determine the identity of those responsible," Newtown police Lt. Aaron Bahamonde said in a statement.

Police say that the Public Works Department was notified to remove the graffiti before the start of Sabbath services. Patrols in the area of the synagogue, located on 115 Huntington Road, have been stepped up, and will include a police presence inside during services.

The Anti-Defamation League has offered a reward of up to $2,500 for information that would lead to the arrest and conviction of the suspect or suspects responsible, according to police.

"We vigorously oppose any acts of hate or disrespect," Adath Israel Synagogue said in a statement, noting they stand united against acts of anti-Semitism or "any other forms of hateful acts against any institution, religion, race or gender."

First Selectman Dan Rosenthal weighed in with this statement:

"This morning I viewed the hateful desecration of Congregation Adath Israel with sadness. The congregants of Adath Israel have contributed to the fabric of this community immeasurably for over 100 years. Newtown has always been a place where people of all religions are welcome and have worked together hand in hand to build a better community and the hateful actions of an individual or individuals will not change that. I look forward to personally asking the courts to offer no leniency when the vile individual is apprehended."

The Newtown police are urging anyone who might have more information to contact them at 203-270-4255.