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Spokane Jewish temple vandalized with anti-Semitic symbols

Spokane Police Department

Police are investigating a hate crime Monday after a Jewish temple in Spokane was vandalized with anti-Semitic symbols.

When workers arrived at Temple Beth Shalom Monday, they found the Holocaust memorial and the side of the temple had been vandalized, according to the Spokane Police Department. Police suspect a white man last seen wearing blue jeans, a dark jacket and a red mask spray painted Swastikas on the temple. He was caught on Temple Beth Shalom’s security cameras Monday.

In a statement Spokane Police Chief Craig Meidl called the vandalism reprehensible and said the department takes bigotry and hate seriously. Police are encouraging anyone with more information to come forward.

“There is no place for hate-mongering in our community,” Meidl said. “SPD takes this crime very seriously and is committed to doing everything possible to arrest the person or persons responsible.”

In a statement Mayor Nadine Woodward called the symbols disgusting and said hate and divisiveness in this community will never be tolerated.

“Spokane is a community that welcomes different faiths and protects the ability of people to practice those beliefs safely and freely in their places of worship,” she said. “The symbols and writings are disgusting and desecrate a place of worship and a memorial to those whose lives were lost during a hateful time in world history. The Spokane Police Department has dedicated numerous resources to the investigation of this hate crime.”