Community shock after two Alabama synagogues daubed with graffiti over Passover

Huntsville police had stationed a vehicle outside the rabbi’s home over the weekend to provide an extra level of security.

The slogans and images that appeared at the sites over the first two days of Passover were produced in a similar tone and style, suggesting the same individual or group may have been involved.

Among the slogans daubed were “F**king k*kes”, “Gas Em All”, “Jew Scum” and “Holohoax”. Swastikas and the sig rune, a lightning-shaped symbol widely used in Nazi Germany, were also spray-painted.

As police said they were reviewing security camera footage and appealed for witnesses to come forward, volunteers from local churches offered to help with the clean-up effort.

Laura King, a member of the Conservative synagogue, told the Alabama news website Al.com that the use of words like “Holohoax”, a term used by Holocaust deniers, indicated those responsible were running a sophistic operation.

“This is like a smack in the face as we try to celebrate our freedom,” she said.

“The vicious and repugnant images found on the walls of Etz Chayim are a powerful reminder that antisemitism is still here and we, as a community, must come together and work tirelessly to end it,” the Jewish Federation of Huntsville and North Alabama added in a statement.

Rabbi Cohen told local television station WHNT: “This is not going to bring us down. One individual who is filled with hate in his heart and in his actions will not bring down an entire community to fear and to panic because of his actions.

“Everything we have done until now is just the beginning. Now this hate crime has happened to our community twice, not just once. We are going to be advancing in Jewish actives across north Alabama,”