GOLDEN GATE ESTATES, Fla. — An unknown suspect vandalized a Jewish temple last week, leaving many worshippers distraught.
The sign outside of Temple Shalom on Pine Ridge Road was riddled with shotgun bullets. Investigators believe this could be a possible hate crime.
Senior Rabbi Adam Miller is holding a Shabbat of solidarity on Friday in response to this incident.
“We will not tolerate hate, racism or bigotry in our community ,” he said. “This is going to be a community in which love triumphs over hate.”
Miller explained several congregants have recently experienced anti-Semitic behavior from others.
“There has been a rising trend of anti-Semitism locally in our community,” he said. “We are hearing it from our students, who in the last few weeks have reported problems with other students using anti-Semitic slurs toward them in public and private school at all the different levels.”
Worshippers will be gathering at the temple Friday at 7:30 p.m. and the public is welcome to attend.
The suspect is believed to drive a white car and is armed with a shotgun. If anyone has information on who vandalized the sign, contact the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.