Multiple swastikas were discovered spray-painted inside a shul in Lakewood, New Jersey last week, prompting police to open an accelerated hate crime investigation in the heavily Haredi community of tens of thousands.
A worshiper arriving for Shacharis at approximately 5:38 a.m. last Wednesday morning found the vandalism marked in multiple locations throughout the interior of the building. Police responded to the scene, documented the swastikas, and removed them from the synagogue.
Lakewood police issued a statement emphasizing the severity of the incident. According to local law enforcement, the department treats "hate crimes and events based on hate with full severity," and officers remain "committed to locating those responsible for this act."
The incident adds to a documented wave of antisemitic attacks targeting Jewish communities across the United States in recent months. Authorities have urged anyone with information about the vandalism or suspicious activity in the area of the synagogue to contact local law enforcement.
The Haredi community in Lakewood, one of the largest observant Jewish population centers in North America, has expressed deep concern following the attack. Community leaders are hoping for swift apprehension of those responsible.
