April 8, 2022

Minneapolis, MN – Steve Hunegs, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas (JCRC), issued the following statement:

“During the evening of April 7, 2022, Temple of Aaron Synagogue in St. Paul was vandalized with repugnant antisemitic anti-Israel graffiti.

“The JCRC condemns this antisemitic anti-Israel vandalism in the wake of Palestinian terrorism, in which fourteen people have been murdered and many more wounded over the past three weeks in Israel, making it the deadliest round of terrorism since 2006.

“JCRC staff members are in direct contact with Temple of Aaron staff, law enforcement, and the Secure Community Network. We thank these dedicated partners for their support and focused attention in investigating this incident.

“We are experiencing the rare calendar confluence of Ramadan, Easter, and Passover. This should be a time of peace and respect in this period of religious reflection and contemplation. It is time to call out the violators of sacred time and places.

“Moreover, we need to continually, passionately, and effectively work to protect our American democracy. Attacking a house of worship to make a political point is profoundly corrosive of democracy. It means intimidation, incitement, and creating ill will is the goal.

“The investigation of this incident is ongoing. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.”

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As the public affairs voice of the Jewish community, the JCRC fights antisemitism and prejudice, advocates for Israel, provides Holocaust education, promotes tolerance and social justice, and builds bridges across the Jewish and broader communities.