Police Investigating Vandalism Of Synagogue In Hoboken

HOBOKEN, NJ — Police are investigating graffiti that appeared this week on Hoboken's synagogue, said city officials.

The rabbi of United Synagogue of Hoboken and elected officials in Hoboken said the message was discovered Wednesday, July 24.

"When our staff arrived at our synagogue this morning, we were dismayed to find that someone had vandalized our building by painting the words 'Free Palestine' on the column near our front gate," wrote Rabbi Robert Scheinberg in a message.

Security cameras captured images of the vandal, he said.

"We expect this individual to bear the consequences of their actions," he wrote. "...Actions like this do not intimidate us."

Councilman Phil Cohen wrote on social media, "Disgusted to learn that this morning someone vandalized the United Synagogue of Hoboken by painting the words 'Free Palestine' on the column near the Synagogue’s front gate. Thanks to the Hoboken Police for immediately responding and investigating this hate crime. Hate has no home in Hoboken."

"Yesterday I was made aware that the United Synagogue of Hoboken had been vandalized overnight," wrote Councilwoman Emily Jabbour Thursday. "Vandalism of any kind should not be tolerated, and it is even more upsetting when the message is meant only to antagonize. Thank you to the Hoboken Police Department for quickly responding and investigating this incident, and thank you to Rabbi Scheinberg for your continued leadership."

Rep. Rob Menendez wrote, "Political vandalism has no place in our community. Not in Hoboken, not in New Jersey, not anywhere. The United Synagogue of Hoboken is a cornerstone of the Jewish community in the 8th District – and I join the rest of our neighbors in rallying behind them."

Tensions have risen in the United States since the Oct. 7 massacre in which the terrorist group Hamas killed more than 1,000 people in Israel and kidnapped others. Nearly 40,000 Palestinians have been killed as a result of the subsequent fighting in Gaza, news outlets have reported.

Hoboken has seen protests from pro-ceasefire groups and a vigil for the hostages. READ MORE: Group To Hold Rally In Hoboken For Ceasefire

(Got opinions? Here's how to post your letter or release on Patch yourself, any time of day, for free.)