Here is what is amazing: That people wake up, have breakfast then go out of their way to do destruction. Such was the case last week in South Seattle's Brighton neighborhood where swastikas were painted on two synagogues and on neighboring sidewalks.
The Sephardic Bikur Holim Congregation and the nearby Congregation Bikur Cholim-Machzihay Hadath each were defaced with the anti-Semitic symbol. Eli Varon, vice president of Sephardic said the symbols were painted either Saturday evening or early Sunday morning. Seattle police have assigned a veteran detective to investigate what is being called a case of property destruction and malicious harassment. The police's Bias Crimes unit has been canvassing the neighborhood for leads. Police were also called out on Sunday to photograph the evidence, after which Varon had the swastikas cleaned off. City workers cleaned the seven spots on the neighboring sidewalks. Police say the case is "very much a priority."
As it should be on principle alone. Every group, every sect in society has at one time or another been the object of persecution. But the Jewish community can't seem to catch a break. The community is being reminded this week of Naveed Haq's attack on the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle that took place three years ago leaving one dead and five others wounded. His second trial starts Oct. 20. This guy didn't like what was happening in Israel and so he went well out of his way to start shooting innocent people.
People do stupid things in the heat of the moment but these acts were premeditated and carried out with a heavy helping of ignorance. That's why they should not be taken lightly, for ignorance fuels ignorance. So it is good that the police have all but announced this sort of activity will not be tolerated.
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