Anti-Semitic graffiti has been found on a Newtown temple. An officer performing building checks this morning discovered the graffiti painted on the front and side walls of the Adath Israel Synagogue on Huntington Road.
Newtown Police are working with officials from the synagogue to address their safety and concerns. The town provided assistance from its Public Works Department to remove the graffiti and repaint the damaged areas of the Synagogue prior to the start of scheduled services.
Police Chief of Police James Viadero has been in contact with the Anti-Defamation League and they have offered a reward of up to $2,500 for information that would lead to the arrest and conviction of the suspect or suspects responsible for this disturbing crime.
Police spokesman Lt. Aaron Bahamonde says as an agency they 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. He continued, saying this serious hate crime will be given the full attention of the department, while utilizing other law enforcement resources to determine the identity of those responsible. Bahamonde added he congregation has been assured that enhanced patrols will continue in the area and that there will be a police presence during scheduled services.
Anyone with information on this crime is asked to contact the Newtown Police Department at 203-270-4255
First Selectman Dan Rosenthal commented," 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"
