Vice President Pence condemns “cowardly” act . . .
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Officials are investigating after anti-Semitic graffiti was found at a synagogue in Carmel.
A Nazi flag and other symbols were spray painted on a wall at the Congregation Shaarey Tafilla on 116th Street.
The Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council says the congregation is working closely with police and city officials.
According to the council, extra security has been put in place at all Indianapolis community congregations to keep members safe.
JCRC released a full statement on the incident:
“On Saturday, July 28, one of our greater Indianapolis synagogues was vandalized by anti-Semitic graffiti. The congregation has been communicating closely with law enforcement, city officials, and its members. An official investigation has been opened at this time.
“The JCRC is, and has been, in close contact with staff and lay leadership, offering any assistance and support they may require. JCRC and the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis have also been in communication with staff and clergy at all other Indianapolis community congregations and agencies to ensure that they take all necessary precautions to further secure their facilities.”
Other public officials at all levels of government issued statements condemning the acts of vandalism as unacceptable.
On Sunday afternoon, Vice President Mike Pence wrote on Twitter that he was “Sickened and appalled by the cowardly act”:
“Sickened and appalled by the cowardly act of vandalism at Congregation Shaarey Tefilla; a beautiful synagogue in Carmel, Indiana where I have many good friends. Those responsible must be held accountable. These vile acts of anti-Semitism must end.”
Governor Eric Holcomb released a statement calling the people behind the graffiti “cowards” and confirming state police would be available to assist Carmel police with their investigation.
“This morning, I contacted Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter and made sure state police offered to fully assist the Carmel Police Department and the FBI in bringing those behind the repulsive acts of desecration at the Congregation Shaarey Tefilla to justice. The cowards responsible for these crimes always hide from public scrutiny precisely because they know their actions will be soundly rejected by their neighbors and are not consistent with who we are as a society. We will work to help find those responsible and hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly released the following statement condemning the vandalism:
“I condemn the vandalism at Congregation Shaarey Tefilla. There is no place for anti-Semitism, bigotry, or hatred in our communities, state, and country.”
U.S. Senator Todd Young called the graffiti “a hateful act of anti-Semitism that goes against everything America stands for”:
“The vandalism at Congregation Shaarey Tefilla goes well beyond a petty crime. It was a hateful act of anti-Semitism that goes against everything America stands for. I’ve spoken with Rabbi Sendrow and members of the congregation, and I stand with them in condemning this ignorant and disgusting crime. Our nation’s diversity is a great attribute, not an undesirable flaw.”
Congresswoman Susan Brooks, who represents Carmel as part of Indiana’s 5th District, called on “all citizens of Carmel, Hamilton County and throughout the state to join me in speaking out against this awful act of intolerance and bigotry”:
“I am appalled by the despicable and hateful act of antisemitism perpetrated yesterday against Congregation Shaarey Tefilla in Carmel. I urge all citizens of Carmel, Hamilton County and throughout the state to join me in speaking out against this awful act of intolerance and bigotry. Actions like this have no place in our community and I hope the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.”
State Sen. Mike Delph from Carmel who represents District 29, said he was “shocked and saddened” by the vandalism:
“Each year for the last several years I have had the honor of introducing Rabbi Benjamin Sendrow of Congregation Shaarey Tefilla to my Senate colleagues as he offered our daily prayer in the Indiana State Senate. I was shocked and saddened to learn about the recent vandalism that occurred at his synagogue. Everyone in the United States should feel free to worship according to the dictates of his or her own conscience without fear. Anti-Semitism is an evil that cannot be tolerated and must be confronted. It is my hope that the FBI and Carmel Police Department will find the perpetrators so they can be brought to justice swiftly. I strongly condemn this behavior and encourage all of my fellow Hoosiers to do so as well.”