By Breaking Israel—
A community was rocked Wednesday by what SAPD is investigating as a hate crime. The Rodfei Sholom Congregation, an Orthodox synagogue in north San Antonio woke up to realize hatred and racism is alive and well. “We noticed swastikas and right away we understood,” said Rabbi Arnold Shineberg. “It’s a reminder some things don’t change,” said Erick Matta. Numerous homes, vehicles and city structures were blasted with anti-Semitic graffiti throughout the Jewish community; some of the vandalism was too offensive to show in the photos below. The graffiti included multiple swastikas and numerous different hateful slurs. A fence in the area was seen emblazoned with the ‘KKK’ lettering, and one SUV was seen with a window smashed out, and the word ‘Jew’ spray-painted down the side of the vehicle.
“Some people out there harbor hatred,” said another resident. “We see a lot in the Middle East and Europe sometimes we think it’s been escaped here in the U.S.,” said Matta. Senior Rabi Arnold Shineberg was in disbelief and heartbroken but he received an out pour of support from local church leaders like Pastor John Hagee from Cornerstone Church. “In this city, Christians and Jews are united like no other city in America. An attack at this synagogue is an attack on every Christian church in the city,” said Pastor Hagee. Meanwhile, members of the synagogue have faith justice will be served. SAPD is investigating about a dozen incidents that popped up overnight as a hate crime. They haven’t been linked together. The department is asking anyone with information to help them solve these cases. Wednesday afternoon, District 26 State Senator Jose Menendez said he is offering $1,000 towards a reward for information leading to the arrest and indictment of the person or persons who committed the hate crime. Various other leaders from the community, including the Anti-Defamation League and Congressman Joaquin Castro, denounced the actions.