Congregation Shaare Torah in suburban Washington was spray-painted with swastikas and other racist graffiti. The vandalism at the Conservative shul in Gaithersburg, Md. took place early Tuesday.
“Gaithersburg is not a community that will tolerate such a hate crime,” Mayor Jud Ashman said in a statement. “We are an inclusive community, one that prides itself on diversity and collaboration. When such a despicable act is committed, it impacts all of us, regardless of religion, race or creed.” The Gaithersburg Police Department has launched an investigation, reports JTA.
The vandalism occurred hours after the mayor at a City Council meeting proclaimed April 12-19 as Days of Remembrance in Gaithersburg, a city located 26 miles northwest of Washington. April 16 is Yom Hashoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day.