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Temple Israel in Minneapolis vandalized
The Temple Israel Synagogue in Minneapolis was vandalized overnight, with authorities calling it a hate crime. FOX 9's Mike Manzoni has the latest.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The Minneapolis Police Department, U.S. Attorney's Office and FBI are investigating acts of vandalism at Temple Israel in Minneapolis early Wednesday morning as a hate crime.
Temple Israel Minneapolis vandalism
The backstory:
Minneapolis police responded at about 9 a.m. Wednesday to Temple Israel on the 2300 block of Fremont Avenue South to a report of vandalism being investigated as a hate crime. Officers located graffiti on the south side of the building that referenced the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel two years ago. There was also imagery used to normalize violence against the Jewish community spray-painted on the wall.
Based on surveillance video from the building, the incident happened at about 2:30 a.m. Wednesday. Police say two people left the scene on bicycles.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara condemned the acts at an afternoon news conference.
"Hate crimes and acts targeting sacred spaces strike at the very heart of who we are as a community. These acts are meant to instill fear and division, and we will not tolerate them," O'Hara said. "The MPD is investigating this incident as a bias-motivated crime. An attack on any of our houses of worship is an attack on all of us who believe in peace and community, regardless of anyone’s religion."
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Vandalism at Temple Israel in Minneapolis considered hate crime
Authorities are investigating vandalism early Wednesday morning at Temple Israel in Minneapolis as a hate crime. Minneapolis police are working with the U.S. Attorney's Office and the FBI to find who is responsible. The vandalism comes two years after the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel.
Temple Israel Rabbi reacts
What they're saying:
Temple Israel Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman said she was headed to an interfaith breakfast with other leaders in Minneapolis when she got the call about Wednesday's vandalism.
As the Jewish community is rememebring the two-year anniversary of the Hamas attacks on Israel, the Temple Israel community is also coming together for sukkah, its fall festival. They have a Shabbat planned for Friday night.
Zimmerman reacted at Wednesday's news conference. She also said she got a call from Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz in support of the Jewish community.
"Seeing hateful words and symbols on our sacred spaces is deeply upsetting and painful, especially as we mark the second anniversary of Oct. 7 terrorist attack in Israel, and our community is in the middle of celebrating our harvest festival," Zimmerman said. "These are the things that are trying to intimidate us as a Jewish community. These words must remind us to continue to commemorate our festivals, to gather together and we will continue to be a voice in Minneapolis."
Mayor Jacob Frey issues statement
Big picture view:
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey posted a photo of the graffiti and a statement to social media Wednesday morning.
"This morning, Temple Israel woke up to anti-Semitic threats – a reminder that hate still tries to find a foothold. It won’t find one here. Minneapolis stands with our Jewish neighbors. Hiding behind hate to spread fear against any religion is cowardly and unacceptable in our city."