Police: South Orange synagogue defaced with bias graffiti
The mayor says protesters left a chalk message on the driveway of the synagogue that read “Terrorists this way,” with an arrow pointing toward the building.
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Police say vandalism at a South Orange synagogue this weekend is being investigated as a possible bias crime.
South Orange Mayor Sheena Collum says a group of protesters were trespassing on private property near Oheb Shalom Synagogue on Scotland Road. The mayor says they left a chalk message on the driveway of the synagogue that read “Terrorists this way,” with an arrow pointing toward the building.
News 12 New Jersey was told a neighbor across the street used a hose to clear away the message.
News 12 was also told that one protester threw a red liquid at a passing vehicle. Two nearby residents were also reportedly harassed.
South Orange police say they have identified the people responsible for the incident.
Several Essex County officials have condemned the act.
“[This is] not only a crime but it is contrary to the values we share as a diverse community,” says Rep. Mikie Sherill, who represents District 11, which includes South Orange.
Nancy Adams, mayor of nearby Maplewood said, “Rights of free speech and protest do not give anyone the right to deface property or make threats against the Jewish community."
The rabbi of Oheb Shalom Synagogue tells News 12 that the vandalism happened while the synagogue was hosting a program with two members of the Israeli Air Force. The rabbi says the program was able to go on uninterrupted and that no one was in danger.
