Swastikas in Sydney

The Maroubra Synagogue in Eastern Sydney was defaced with swastikas this past Shabbos. Swastikas were spray painted on the nearby bus stop as well. The Shul’s Rabbi, Rabbi Yossi Friedman has retaliated in a facebook post that has generated a lot media attention.

“I am furious. Some coward spray painted swastikas on the side of my synagogue and on the nearby bus stop, and I can’t stop thinking about it.

“This is an act of violence against the Jewish Nation as a whole and my congregation in particular and I cannot keep quiet. What would cause someone to do this? Why this hatred? A synagogue is a special place, a place where people of all ages come to mediate and pray. Men women and children come to cook meals for the needy in our kitchen- in short the synagogue is a symbol of peace. This is the place where we support one another in times of need and celebrate together in time of happiness. Our goal is to inspire all who enter to become better people- so why would anyone want to destroy that?

“We are proud to live in Australia, a country that allows its citizens freedom of religion. Anyone who denies this right cannot call themselves Australian. There is no place for racism and bigotry in our society.

“I have a message for the spray painter who has defaced the synagogue and insulted us; I pity you. Your hatred will destroy you. And you are very lucky that I wasn’t there to catch you.”

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!