Norfolk Synagogues Marred by Anti-Semitic Slurs

As an unpleasant reminder that Norfolk remains a part of the backwards and reactionary South despite its progress on some fronts, a number of synagogues in my general neighborhood - which is probably the most liberal in the region - were marred by overnight with anti-semetic and racial slurs. Sadly, there are several hate groups identified by the Southern Poverty Law Center that hail this region as their home base. These are white supremacist and neo-Nazi type organization and it is thought that perhaps the incident coincides with the marking of Hitler's birthday (April 20th). One of the synagogues hit is attended by a good friend of mine and his family. As noted, an anti-gay slur was also found. It is disturbing that only by hating others do the sick adherents of such groups feel better about themselves. Here are some highlights from the Virginian Pilot:

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Several synagogues and streets were vandalized with anti-Semitic and racial messages discovered by worshippers early Saturday morning, a Norfolk police spokeswoman said. Police are investigating reports of vandalism in at least five places in the Ghent neighborhood and on Granby Street, said Karen Parker-Chesson, a police department spokeswoman. An anti-gay slur was reported at one location.

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Police investigators think the slurs might have been done to mark the birth of Adolf Hitler, Parker-Chesson said. Hitler was born April 20. The Anti-Defamation League says hate groups are planning gatherings in Florida, Missouri and North Carolina to commemorate Hitler’s birth.

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The stickers shocked worshippers at first, [Rabbi Michael] Panitz [of Temple Israel said. “People were certainly sobered and in some cases, it triggered some very personal, some very sad memories because our worship congregation includes people who are refugees from lands of oppression,” he said. “But there was certainly a collective, quiet resolve that we will not be terrorized … from worshipping in public together.”