Miami

Temple Website Vandalized with Hate Speech

A South Florida synagogue says its website was hacked and plastered with pro-ISIS, anti-Semitic hate speech.

Temple Kol Ami Emmanu-El said the hack was first brought to its attention when concerned congregants began calling the synagogue to complain about what was on the homepage.

“Our website had been taken over, and had been redirected to this page that included hateful speech,” said Rabbi Howard Needlemen.

The hate speech was aimed at Jews, their faith and Israel.

The hack also boasted support of the radical Islamist militant group ISIS, infamous for the beheadings of captured western aid workers and journalists, including Steven Sotloff of Miami.

The synagogue's director believes the hackers are based in the Middle East based on discussions with investigators and the hackers' link to a purported Syrian hacking group. Some commenters on Facebook bragged about taking over the synagogue's site.

The site has been taken down as local and federal authorities are investigating.

“Although we were the first synagogue, I unfortunately do not think we’ll be the last,” said Rabbi Needleman.

Contact Us