'Person Of Interest' Identified In Vandalism At Congregation B'nai Israel In Bridgeport: PD

BRIDGEPORT, CT — An investigation is underway in Bridgeport after an outdoor menorah was vandalized last week at Congregation B'nai Israel, and a person of interest in the crime has been identified by police, according to Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter.

"The Bridgeport Police Department’s Detective Bureau is actively investigating," Porter said in a statement. "We believe we’ve identified a person of interest, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Detective Bureau. As a general practice during Hanukah and other religious holidays, we increase police presence around synagogues and other religious places of worship. This crime is being investigated as an act of vandalism, but we will explore all other criminal acts as well."

Police did not release any additional details, but in a lengthy post on Facebook, Senior Rabbi Evan Shultz discussed the incident. See the full post below.

"This was the first time in my thirteen years at the synagogue that something like this had ever happened," Shultz wrote. "Sure we’ve had incidents - suspicious people walking in the parking lot, a bomb threat, but never someone walking onto our property and intentionally vandalizing a sacred Jewish object.

"To deepen the wound, that menorah was built by the wonderful grandfather of children who grew up here at B’nai Israel. He was a Holocaust survivor. He built this menorah as a gift to the synagogue, crafted by his own two hands."

Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim was alarmed by the incident.

"I’m saddened to hear the news of vandalism taking place at Congregation B’nai Israel," Ganim said in a statement. "Bridgeport is a community that celebrates many different cultures and religions, and antisemitism will not be tolerated. Learning that this crime took place shortly after Hanukkah was disheartening, and I want everyone to know that hate crimes will not be condoned in our city. Perpetrators will be dealt with accordingly should anyone decide to repeat an act such as this one."

The incident has also touched leaders in Trumbull and in Fairfield, where Shultz is a resident.

"I am devastated that the menorah at Congregation B’nai Israel, a synagogue where many Fairfield families worship and find peace and community, was vandalized," said Fairfield First Selectperson Christine Vitale. "This is a season of light and love and this act of hatred cannot go unaddressed. In Fairfield, we continue to stand with the Jewish community and our friends at Congregation B’nai Israel against hatred and antisemitism. Together we will continue to spread the message of love, understanding, and acceptance. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Jewish community."

Added Trumbull First Selectman Vicki A. Tesoro, "It is with a heavy heart that I learned of the vandalism to the menorah at B’nai Israel synagogue in Bridgeport. Many Trumbull families worship at B’nai Israel and we are saddened at this act of deliberate destruction.

"Trumbull stands against antisemitism in all forms and offers our sympathy and our support to the members of Congregation B’nai Israel and the entire Jewish community."

"This was not simply damage to property, it was an attack on faith, memory, and the right of our Jewish neighbors to live and worship without fear," said state Sen. Tony Hwang. "To intentionally vandalize a religious symbol during a time of celebration is heartbreaking. It should alarm every resident who believes in tolerance, dignity, and respect.

"There is no place for hatred or bigotry of any kind in our community. I stand in full solidarity with the Jewish and all interfaith communities during this painful violation of the holiday spirit of resiliency and compassion, and I reaffirm my commitment to ensuring that every resident, regardless of their faith, race or heritage, will be protected, supported, and respected."