FRESNO (KMJ) — Fresno Rabbi Rick Winer has called for unity following the attack on a local synagogue this week.
The word “Israel” was torn down from the sign outside the Temple Beth Israel Synagogue in Fresno. The incident, which Fresno Police said happened between sometime between 10pm Tuesday and 7am Wednesday, has been classified a hate crime (click here).
“With their choice of which words they tore down, it’s really quite clear that this was motivated by hatred of other. Jews, Israel, whatever it may be,” detailed Rabbi Rick Winer.
“It’s one more symptom of the hatred plaguing our country right now.”
Winer said that same hatred motivated the shooter in the fatal shooting at the synagogue in Pittsburgh over the weekend, but added that he wants to focus on the hope that remains.
“The unbelievable outpouring of love and support that we saw in our sanctuary on Tuesday night is the antidote for that.
“There is so much togetherness and love across so many different religious groups and ethnicities, and gay, and straight, and everybody. We’re all there together.”
Investigators continue to appeal for information about the vandalism. Anyone who can help can contact Valley Crime Stoppers anonymously on (559) 498-STOP.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
