Defacing a Synagogue Deserves the Highest Form of Punishment

Saturday marked the day of the annual Bowl for Kids Sake benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters. Looking forward to the event as I do every year, I was in a great mood as I strolled the bowling alley saying hello to familiar faces and snapping photos for the paper.

That mood however changed after having a conversation with a fellow co-worker and Times Leader photographer. He informed me how he got a call that morning and had to go take pictures at the synagogue on South Franklin. Someone had spray painted a swastika on the sign and other graffiti markings on the doors. That made me feel sick.

#1 such action no matter how historically inept the piece or pieces of scum is should be penalized with the most severe punishment.

#2 if caught, the culprit(s) should be forced to take a history course on WWII. Perhaps a visit to the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC or better yet, a trip to Europe with a tour of a concentration camp would ensure a change of heart. I have visited both and such experiences leave you speechless making it difficult to take a deep breath after seeing and reading about such deplorable situations.

#3 the person or people responsible for this crime should be forced to publicly apologize to the synagogue's congregation. If you have ever had the pleasure of meeting some members of the congregation or have been honored enough to hear the rabbi speak as I have, you will not hesitate to say that they deserve, at the very very least, a sincere apology.

#4 sadly, I know none of the above will occur. And yet again, another disgusting local citizen(s) or wherever he/she calls home, will get the ever-so-gently slap on the hand which on all accounts, to good people everywhere, is a slap to the face. Court system, I beg you, make me eat my words.