Miami

Anti-Semitic Vandalism Found at South Florida Synagogue

More anti-Semitic messages were found Monday in South Florida, this time at a synagogue.

Neighborhood watch volunteers found swastikas and the word "Hamas" spray painted in red outside the doors to Torah V'Emunah Congregation at 1000 N.E. 175th Street in Northeast Miami-Dade.

This is the second act of anti-Semitic vandalism in South Florida in the last few days. On Saturday, vandals egged two cars at a Miami Beach home and smeared cream cheese on the cars, spelling out the words "Jew" and "Hamas."

The acts coincided with an ongoing three-week-long conflict between Israel and Hamas. As of Sunday, the fighting had killed more than 1,000 people -- 1,030 Palestinians, 43 Israeli soldiers, two Israeli civilians and a Thai worker, according to NBC News.

Yona Lungerm who he found the latest messages around 1 a.m. during his neighborhood watch shift, said vandalism isn't an answer to the conflict. He said the graffiti is “very uncomfortable and it’s unprofessional.”

"We understand you're angry, but that's not the way to resolve it," Lunger said. "Best way is to get out there and pray for peace and let's all get along."

Police have not yet identified any suspects in either case, and have not yet determined if there is a connection.

The Anti-Defamation League released a statement that condemned the act and said in part:

"It is our hope that local South Florida community leaders will join the Anti-Defamation League to condemn the local expression of anti-Semitic hate right her in our backyard."

Anyone with information is urged to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477).

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