Synagogue Vandalism Brings Painful Memories To Congregation
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FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) -- Members of the B'nai Sephardim Congregation in Fort Lauderdale were stunned as they walked through their social hall that's under construction.
Crude messages were scrawled on the walls, including profanity, symbols of the devil, threats like, "I'm watching you" and "Be careful." But what was next to a cross was the most troubling of all.
"They're cowards, they're cowards," said temple member Tony Raz. "They're connecting fu** the Jews with the cross, which really doesn't make any sense. Christians don't do that. Good Christians don't do that."
"The other one with the cross and the one with f*** the Jews, that affected me a lot," said Rabbi Leon Ben-haam-mu.
For Rabbi Ben-haam-mu, it's not only offensive, but painful.
"That bring us memories of the past, holocaust memories and persecution for Jews. I got upset," said Rabbi Ben-haam-mu.
CLICK HERE to watch Carey Codd's report.
The rabbi suspects the vandals did their dirty work late Monday night. It was discovered Tuesday. The question is why someone would purposely deface a house of worship.
"It looks like maybe some kids who really don't understand what neighbors are about, what friendliness is all about, holiness for that matter," said Raz.
The rabbi reminds us a synagogue is a holy place filled with people who pray for many things, including whoever is responsible for the vile graffiti with the hurtful messages.
"I hope the people who did it will repent themselves. They will come to me and say I'm sorry. We did wrong. I'm sorry. I apologize," said Rabbi Ben-haam-mu.
