Swastikas Painted on Synagogue in 'Despicable Act of Hate': City Officials

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Vandals spray painted 11 swastikas on the exterior of the Shaare Torah synagogue in Gaithersburg overnight, an act police describe as a hate crime and that the mayor says was despicable.

Officer Dan Lane told Montgomery Community Media that a resident flagged down a passing police officer about 7:10 a.m. Tuesday morning to report the vandalism in the Lakelands community.

Lane said the vandals used white paint to deface the building with swastikas and other racist graffiti. Detectives are following up leads and looking at surveillance video in an effort to find suspects.

Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman condemned the act as despicable, and one that the community will not tolerate.

“The City of Gaithersburg stands by the congregation of Shaare Torah, and in so doing we stand for tolerance, understanding and dignity, principles that are at the very core of our community,” the mayor said in a statement.

Gaithersburg City Council Vice President Ryan Spiegel, a member of the Shaare Torah congregation, said he is heartbroken by the vandalism in a community that is known for respecting and celebrating its diversity.

“The terrible acts of a few will not deter or weaken the resolve of the vast majority of our residents to continue celebrating and respecting our diversity and multiculturalism as great strengths,” Spiegel said in a statement. “Indeed, if anything, this incident will make us even stronger as we come together as a City to confront hate and diminish it through education and friendship.”

At its Monday night meeting, the Gaithersburg City Council proclaimed April 12 – 19 as Days of Remembrance in the city of Gaithersburg. National Holocaust Remembrance Day is April 16. Attending the meeting were Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal and Shaare Torah Executive Board President Connie Liss, whose parents survived the Holocaust.

“It is obvious that remembering is not enough. With the vandalism that occurred at the synagogue last night, we must continue to battle racism and be diligent about understanding and embracing all those in our community, no matter who they are, where they come from, or what they believe,” Ashman said in a statement.

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call the Police Tipline at 301.330.4471. You can also call the station at 301.258.6400 and ask for detectives.

»Photo of Shaare Torah courtesy of Montgomery Community Media