B'nai Shalom of Olney - Victim of Hate Crime - July 26, 2010

Letter from Rabbi Ari Sunshine and President Debbie Kovalsky

Dear Friends,

The last day and a half have passed in a whirlwind.  It began with shock and sadness, being called in during the early hours of the morning to see that our synagogue had been desecrated with anti-Semitic graffiti.  Truly it was an overwhelmingly painful and hurtful sight, witnessing the extensive nature of the violation.

After briefly considering a rapid removal of all of the graffiti in the morning hours by any means possible, we decided that the best way to respond was to turn this into a teaching and community-building opportunity.  And so we invited anyone in the community who wished to join with us at 3:00 PM to eradicate this evil and hate from our building and our property.   

Approximately 200 people came to clean and show support-they sprayed and scrubbed until we removed everything we could, pending the repainting of the vandalized areas.  People continued to stream in over the hours that followed, offering to help, wanting to be together with the community. 

And then at 7:30 PM, when we gathered for minyan and a program to address this violation of our sacred space, 500 people filled the Berlin Sanctuary-a massive, passionate, and inspiring sea of humanity that did not distinguish between the member of one synagogue or another, or one faith or another.  We were a community of people created in God's image coming together to protest bigotry and hatred in our midst.  While our younger children had a chance to talk about the disturbing events of the day in a parallel program, we were buoyed and encouraged by the supportive words of our Montgomery County Executive, Ike Leggett, and Assistant State's Attorney for Montgomery County, Sherri Koch.  And we affirmed that "No Religion is An Island"-that we should never feel like we stand in isolation-and that we find pleasantness, uplift, and glory when we dwell together in unity with others, working together to L'Taken et Ha'Olam, to repair the world in God's Divine image, by sharing in acts of love, kindness, compassion, and justice. 

And finally, we affirmed that when we come together to eliminate ignorance and misunderstanding-when we truly try to recognize and appreciate our shared humanity-even if the world seems like a very narrow bridge and one difficult to cross, there is nothing for us to fear.  There is nothing to fear at all.  We hope what began as a sad day, a day of destruction, will be reclaimed as a day of hope-hope that we can all work together to build much wider bridges linking our communities together in our common missions.
 
We want to thank the members of our synagogue, the members of our Olney community, the members of our Montgomery County community, and the members of our community of humanity around the United States who have reached out to us and lent their hand in solidarity over the last two days.  Whether it has been expressed through cleaning the building, coming to the service last night, stopping by to visit and express condolences, calling, e-mailing, or making donations towards repairs and security upgrades, the support that has poured in has been heartening and has strengthened us greatly as we begin our recovery and healing process. 
 
Please take a few moments view not only the images of the desecration, but also the hopefully more lasting images of the communal clean-up.  Please also take a look at the "diary of comfort"-a log of excerpts from many of the e-mails that have steadily streamed in to our congregation as news has spread of this tragedy.  We hope you will be inspired as we have been in reading the compassionate thoughts of friends and strangers alike who have been moved by our plight.
 
On Shabbat morning, August 14, during Shabbat morning services, with the benefit of a little additional time to process all that has happened and to allow us to continue to heal, we will have a follow-up discussion about the crime and the response, now and moving forward.  We invite everyone in the Olney community, Jewish or not, to join us that morning (the discussion will begin at approximately 10:45 AM) for some additional thoughtful reflection and to continue to show their support.  Please spread the word to your friends and neighbors and we hope to see you on the 14th if not before.
 
L'Shalom (in peace),
 
Ari Sunshine, Rabbi   
Debbie Kovalsky, President

Arrest Made in BSO Vandalism

Dear Congregants, We are relieved that the police have apprehended a suspect and charged him with malicious destruction of property over $500, two counts of malicious destruction of property under $500, one count of race/religious property damage, and one count of defacing religious property. We have and will continue to work closely with law enforcement to see that this matter reaches a conclusion within the justice system. Please read the release from the Montgomery County Department of Police below.

Rabbi Ari Sunshine
Debbie Kovalsky, President

DEPARTMENT OF POLICE MEDIA SERVICES DIVISION
2350 RESEARCH BOULEVARD ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND 20850-3294
240-773-5030
For Immediate Release For More Information: August 4, 2010
Media Services Division, 240-773-5030

Arrest made for Hate Vandalism to Olney Synagogue Detectives from the Montgomery County Police 4th District Investigative Section made an arrest in the series of hate-based graffiti vandalisms that occurred in Olney.

Ian Jacob Baron, age 23, formerly of the 18600 block of Rolling Acres Way in Olney, was arrested this morning and charged with malicious destruction of property over $500, two counts of malicious destruction of property under $500, one count of race/religious property damage, and one count of defacing religious property. Baron is currently being held on a $5000.00 bond at the Montgomery County Detention Center.

On July 26, the B'Nai Shalom of Olney, located at 18401 Burtfield Drive was vandalized. An individual, later identified as Baron, spray-painted anti-semetic graffiti on the exterior walls, retaining walls, lightposts, and parking lot of the B'Nai Shalom Synagogue. Baron also scattered loose change near the entrance of the synagogue as a possible anti-Semitic act.

Additionally, two residences in the 18500 block of Rolling Acres Way in Olney had their mailboxes spray-painted red. Several swastikas, the symbol "14/88," and the symbol "SS" were also spray-painted onto the yards and trees of the two residences.

Montgomery County, Maryland Council Resolution

By: Councilmember Leventhal, Council President Floreen, Council Vice President Ervin, and Councilmembers Andrews, Berliner, Elrich, Knapp, Navarro, and Trachtenberg

Subject: Hate crime committed against B’nai Shalom of Olney Background

1. On the morning of July 26, 2010, police received a report of vandalism to the building and parking lot of B’nai Shalom of Olney.
2. Police have classified the vandalism, which included offensive words and symbols and references to the Holocaust, as a hate crime.

The County Council for Montgomery County, Maryland approves the following resolution:

The County Council expresses its sympathy for, and solidarity with, the congregants of B’nai Shalom of Olney as well as with all residents of Montgomery County. The County Council acknowledges that a hate crime directed against any segment of our community is in fact directed against our entire community. The County Council reaffirms its repugnance toward all hate crimes, including the recent act of vandalism at B’nai Shalom of Olney, and expresses its desire that all residents of Montgomery County should live peacefully, in cooperation with each other and in support of each other. The County Council encourages the Montgomery County Police Department to continue its investigation of the B'nai Shalom incident in the hope that those responsible can be held accountable for this reprehensible act.

We are Grateful for the Support from the Great Community, here are a sampling of some of the emails we have received.

• Ian and I wanted to reach out and offer our support to you and the rest of the BSO community after the horrific vandalism that took place this week. I was in Olney last night with the FAMILY NAME DELETED and saw the pictures of the synagogue, as well as the community after cleaning up the graffiti. It is inspiring to know that the community worked together to right this wrong, but I know that members of the congregation – adults and youth alike – are shocked that this could happen here. If you need any more hands to do heavy labor, painting, or anything else, please do not hesitate to be in touch. We can mass email our teens to rally support and get volunteers at BSO whenever you would need, now or at any point in the future. Director, DC Council BBYO

• We are greatly saddened to have heard about the vandalism earlier today at your shule. It is a deeply troubling sign of our times and of the tremendous work ahead of us. If there's anything that we in NAASE can do to assist you, please just let us know.

• I stand in solidarity with the entire B'nai Shalom of Olney community in the aftermath of this despicable atrocity. I join you in prayers for healing and I expect the criminals who vandalized the shul will be brought to justice expeditiously. This act is an all too unfortunate exception to the behavior most common among the residents of Olney. I imagine that the Congregation will receive strong support from throughout Olney and the rest of the county. As we move through the seven weeks of comfort that lead us to the new year may God bring comfort to all members of the B'nai Shalom of Olney community Rabbi Philip Pohl.

• The Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School community stands with you as you lead B’nai Shalom of Olney, and by extension the greater community, in healing, education and renewal after these horrifying hate crimes. We want to commend you for your powerful and effective leadership following the desecration of the synagogue building. You brought the community together to exclaim that such acts of hatred will never be tolerated. You transformed a crisis into an opportunity for learning and for tikkun olam. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if we can be helpful to you in the coming days, weeks, or months as B’nai Shalom of Olney continues to respond to its community regarding this incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you lead us through the healing process and together, may we go from strength to strength. L’shalom, Jonathan Cannon, Head of School and David Topol, Board President

• Just wanted you to know that even though we have been out of town during this horrible event for B'nai that we were deeply saddened and disturbed by this hate crime against our wonderful congregation. We so wanted to be there to help with the clean-up and to attend the evening service. As members who are not physical in town, I wanted you to know how much we appreciated the email communications from the synagogue. We strongly support the way B'nai has handled this horrific crime and feel very proud to be members of such a strong congregation. Michael and Leslie Greenberg, B'nai Shalom of Olney

• I wanted to share with you and your congregation my sadness over the vandalism you have experienced. I just received notice about the crime from our Associate Pastor, Rev. David Deans. Unfortunately I will not be able to join you this evening. I will, however, continue to pray with and for you as you deal with this hateful act. If there is anything I can do, or the members of Oakdale Emory UMC can do to help you please let me know. I trust that God will continue to bless you and care for you through this horrible event. We stand with you as we seek to transform the world through reflecting the love of God in all circumstances. Bless you. Kevin M. Baker Pastor
  

• All of us at Tikvat Israel were shocked, saddened and outraged by the horrifying vandalization and desecration of your Holy Community. Please note the email that I just sent the congregation. I know that there will be a good representation from Tikvat Israel tonight. One of the many things at Tikvat Israel in which we all can take pride is our ability to be in two places at once - in synagogue for our regularly scheduled minyanim and in the homes of mourners to show them our support and solidarity. Tonight is one of those nights when we need to be in two places at once. We need to be at Tikvat Israel at 7:30 for evening services, and we need to be at the synagogue of our neighbors in Olney who are in shock, grieving over the terrifying vandalization of their synagogue. One of our vice presidents, Jonathan Solomon, and his daughter Shayna have already been to B'nai Shalom to participate in the clean-up efforts; Jonathan has indicated that he will be attending the gathering at BSO tonight. If your inclination was to be at Tikvat Israel tonight, please join us there. There is simply not enough time to get the word out to cancel services, and there will be many people who are counting on participating in the evening service at our shul. If you were not planning on attending a service tonight, perhaps attendance at B'nai Shalom will be the more meaningful venue. When our country was attacked on 9.11, many people came to synagogue to gather strength and comfort from simply being in proximity with their fellow Jews. When one synagogue is attacked, all of us feel vulnerable. Let's us strengthen one another this evening and for many evenings to come. Rabbi Howard Gorin Tikvat Israel Congregation

• The Kol Shalom community reacts with horror and shame at the desecration of B'nai Shalom of Olney. We admire the forcefulness and sensitivity of your swift response. As we approach a New Year we join you in prayer and hope that such perverse and senseless acts of prejudice be seen no more. Chazak v'ematz! Rabbi Jonathan Z. Maltzman, Neil Levy, President Kol Shalom

• Hey everyone. So it's 2:52am as I write this, because I just can't sleep. The horrible events from last night, were just that-horrible. No one ever deserves something like that. As a jewish individual, I feel personally hurt, as some of you may feel too. To me it feels like a there was just a sudden death of a loved one. But I know that as I sit here today writing this, I am so proud to be Jewish. And I hope this unfortunate turn of events can just bring us all closer. I couldn't make it to the clean-up, because I was out and I had only heard about what happened around 6pm. However I was able to attend the service at 7:30pm. I hope to go to as many minyons as I can, and not just for this week, but in the future. I guess we can just take this and turn it around into a positive thing, in that as a community we came together to support each other. 

• I am truly saddened by this act of ignorance and hate. Please accept my wishes that you find strength in purpose and commitment through this unfortunate occurence. Gary Perolman, Immediate Past President Jewish Federation of Howard County

• I am Barbara McGowan, president of Shaare Torah in Gaithersburg.  I just want to let you know that we are all very upset about the horrible vandalism that ocurred at B'nai Shalom yesterday.  At this point I don't know that there is anything physically that we could do, but in spirit we are all standing next to you giving you our support.  If there is anything at all that we could offer please let me know.

• My name is Holden Wilen, and I am currently a senior student at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.  I was a Bar Mitzvah at B'nai Shalom of Olney and attended services there regularly with my family.  I went to Hebrew school at B'nai Shalom and also attended a year of the upper school as well.  I have continued to incorporate Judaism into my life during college, as I am the current President of the Hillel here at Texas Tech.
  I was very sad and appalled to learn of the vicious and malicious anti-Semitic attack that B'nai Shalom experienced.  It was particularly disheartening to me to see that an attack like this could occur in Olney, Maryland; an area that has particularly been a place where Jews could feel comfortable and safe.  Growing up in Olney, I never experienced anti-Semitism at any time during my childhood.  It pains me to see that in the 21st century, in an area that has been such a safe-haven to the Jewish population, we are still vulnerable to such hate that was displayed by these criminals.
  I want to wish you all, and the rest of the congregation at B'nai Shalom of Olney, my deepest condolences.  My prayers and best wishes are with you all.  I know that our congregation and community are strong, and have faith that we will overcome this heinous display of hate.  This was evident at the minyan and healing service that was held, as I was told more than 300 people attended.
  Again, best wishes and my heart goes out to all of you.  I will be sure to keep B'nai Shalom in my prayers.

• On behalf of our congregation, the staff, the officers and board members, I extend to you our heartfelt sympathy and anger (is there one word that expresses both?)at the desecration of your building.  If there is anything, absolutely anything, we can do to help you, please let me know.
  I don't know if it is at all relevant but our old building (and our car) on Lockwood Drive was desecrated in a similar manner in 1982.  I say this so you might know that we have a slight idea of what you are feeling.  We share your concerns and your hopes for a community that abhors the sentiments expressed in the graffiti.  We will work together to build that community.
  Bess Teller
  President, Shaare Tefila Congregation
  Silver Spring/Olney, Maryland

• From one Synagogue to another Synagogue, I am so sorry that you, your Congregation, and the Jewish community has to deal with this type of senseless act. Ray Raphael Kahn President Beth El Congregation, Baltimore

• I am very sorry to hear of this disturbing incident.  I hope the cleanup goes smoothly and the perpetrators are caught. Jeffrey Handelman, Congregation Agudat Achim Niskayuna, NY

• I wish our congregation knew about your service - we would have come out in support as well. I am just now hearing about this incident, and am so sorry to for the hurt it has caused your congregation. We so enjoyed our evening of fellowship with all of you last year and know what a beautiful place of worship B'nai Shalom is. Colesville Presbyterian Church

• At this late hour I sit at the computer in support of my friends at Bnai Shalom. I recall my Shabbat with the congregation a few years ago. I am deeply saddened by each picture that I view and by the account of the attack on your synagogue, a spiritual home for all who seek to find the presence of God in their lives and to connect to their Jewish past and reach to the future. I stand now in solidarity with each of you as you not only repair the desecration but mobilize the good will of those of the community and especially the membership of the kehillah. Like a scar after a surgery the marks may be covered over in time, but the touch to the synagogue's bricks and boards will always serve as a reminder of the the hatred of too many. In the wake of Tisha B'Av when we recall the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalam we shall always recall this dasterdly act. And in the sunshine of the 15th of Av ,Tu B'Av , we shall be able to proudly invoke the ahavat chinom, the free will love which has emerged from every corner of the community and beyond. Only when we counter the senseless hatred and overwhelm it with love for our neighbors, and not only in crisis moments, will we be able to bring the tikun olam that the world so dearly needs. My friends, I am with you.. Rabbi Moshe Edelman, United Synagogue's Director of SULAM,

• We all stand in shock every time one of our jewish Institutions is smeared with graffiti consisting of pronounced words and symbols of jew hating. Yes, chevrah, as much as it has improved, hating Jews is still out there. No, its not the time to hold hands and sing kum bayah, but to observe the mess, be vigilant, try to learn who did this and what motivated them, and as a congregation and as individual Jews, always be ready to academically educate both Jews and non-Jews as to what our jewish life, tradition and values are all about. At my office, I have periodically been asked numerous questions about Israel, what this holiday observance is about, what means kosher food- Is it kosher if a Rabbi Blesses it??? etc. Where there is no enlightenment, no education, there will always be fertile ground for the wrong ideas to be nurtured and possibly turn into hateful acts. Ignorance is not bliss, but possibly dangerous. Annual Thanksgiving services with a church is nice but really does not answer the problem. Our ability to educate those who dont know including our own, will be a helpful medication for this hateful infection, that has yet to be erased. Maybe Its time we again invited our 7-9 neighboring churches to a nice educational evening as we did 2 years ago displaying and discussing our Jewish culture well beyond Matzah ball soup and Fiddler on the roof tunes. Those church members who attended loved it and stayed late into the evening learning and discussing. We may want to try something like this again. We tend to make the assumption that they know what we are about and in my 66 years, i found most know little to nothing and its up to us to teach. When federal agencies have their diversity programs, sometimes I am asked to come and do a multi-media lecture on what is jewish culture. Often the audiences are of about 350 people attending and upon completion, I often hear..."wow, I didn't know that!" often they dont and often we have not offered the right information or any information. Avrum Ashery, Tikvat Israel

• We are writing, on behalf of the entire Olney Kehila Congregation, to express our outrage and to offer our support after Sunday night's vandalism incident at B'nai Shalom. We share your shock and sadness over the damage done, and the impact this incident has had on the members of the B'nai Shalom community and on Olney as a whole. We stand ready to work with you in any way we can to address this incident and to assist your community as it recovers from this act of violence. Please call on us over the coming weeks and beyond to let us know how we can be helpful. Sincerely, Nancy Adise, Board President, Olney Kehila Jewish Congregation and Holly Shere, Spiritual Leader, Olney Kehila Jewish Congregation

• I just wanted to tell you that the way you and your synagogue pulled together the community for both the clean-up and the evening minyan and program is to be applauded. Though I was unable to come in the afternoon and am very sorry that I couldn't be there to help with the clean-up process, I was glad that I could join your in support of your community and the larger Olney community Tuesday evening. I was studying my first year of college when this happened to Shaare Tefila on Lockwood Drive and I don't recall this happening since that time in our community. It was horrible and I only hope they are able to catch the people that did it. I hope you weren't upset with me when I inquired as to the clean-up happening so quickly. It was a decision that your community/board made and I certainly respect that and after seeing the pictures understand why you wanted to erase these horrific images immediately. Shaare Tefila, from my understanding waited a few days so that this "horror" could be seen by the public but there are advantages and disadvantages to immediate versus delayed clean up. Again--I so admire your efforts and success to bring the community together. Lisa Arber, Shaare Tefila

• We have been out of town and returned home today to read about the shocking news. Thank you so much for keeping all of us abreast of everything that has been going on. I sit here with tear filled eyes as I see first-hand the anti Semitism that still exists today. I only wish that we could have been here to help with the clean up and the minyan that followed. The Bnai Shalom of Olney Leadership took the right stance for making this a teaching moment and bringing the community together. We appreciate all of the hard work of the Shul’s leadership. Thank you so much. Holly & Robert Stone & Family, B'nai Shalom of Olney

• On behalf of Peace Action Montgomery, I want to express our shock and outrage at the desecration of your synagogue. We know that when any one of us is a victim of bigotry and hatred, all of us are wounded and thwarted in our dream of sharing our common humanity. We stand ready to assist in any way we can to repair the damage your synagogue sustained and wish we could do more to ease the hurt to your heart that resulted from these ugly, unacceptable acts.

• I am writing to you today as a Quaker and member of Peace Action Montgomery to express my outrage at the desecration of B'nai Shalom. I want to lend my support to the members of your community, as we stand together to oppose hate and bigotry. Your congregation will be in my thoughts as you deal with this issue.

• I heard through Peace Action Montgomery that your temple was desecrated.  I am very sorry to hear that there still are people today who would act in such a hateful manner.  I am Helma Lanyi, the coordinator of the Episcopal Peace Fellowship DC.  I am also a native of Berlin, Germany, and fully aware of the suffering that the Jewish people have experienced.  We all pledge to be watchful for the beginnings of intolerance and marginalization of other groups, whoever they may be.  Please know that we strongly condemn any such actions.

• Just wanted you to know I attended your service last night (Monday, 26th) following the desecration of your building.  I'm a member of Peace Action Montgomery. I was very glad to meet and share the hymnal with a member of your congregation who enlightened me on some of the .  I thought the service deeply moving. It was the first time I've attended a service at a Synagogue.  I'm so glad I did.  It was a great learning experience for me.

• Personally, and on behalf of Pax Christi Metro DC-Baltimore, I wanted to let you know that I was deeply disappointed to learn that the synagogue was desecrated on Sunday evening with signs and messages of hate. Please know that the members of Pax Christi, the Catholic Peace Organization, stand with you and would be willing to do anything desired that would be helpful to the congregation to help heal the hate that was spewed out on Sunday evening. Please let us know if there is anything we can do. In the meantime, we will pray for the congregants of B'nai Shalom and the perpetrators of this act, that they may realize the gravity of what they have done, ask for forgiveness and offer reparation.

• Our congregation sends to yours it's prayers for healing. We are so sorry about the defiling of your synagogue. Temple Agudath Sholom Lynchburg, VA

• I just wanted to let you know that your congregation is being thought of tonight out here in Anne Arundel county where admittedly neighbors mistake my mezuzah for a door bell and did not know what to make of my sukkah. I was the only Jew in my neighborhood until this past fall which was quite the change of pace after growing up in Montgomery county. While I was aware that antisemitism existed, as the synagogue of which my relatives were founding members was vandalized when I was a child, I still felt safe and understood. I felt a sense of belonging just by being in Montgomery county something which I've had to search to find out here in Anne Arundel county. Unfortunately, I won't be able to schlep back to Montgomery county this evening for your service but I wanted to let you know that your congregation is being thought of here in Anne Arundel. I do hope that the perpetrators of this horrific crime are caught as justice is pursued. I hope, that this event will further strengthen our Jewish community as we are reminded that we must never forget our past.

• I’ve been thinking a lot about the recent incident of vandalism at B’Nai Shalom of Olney. I’ve seen many adjectives used to describe how different people feel about this incident, from ‘saddened’ to ‘horrified’. But I haven’t seen one person who appears shocked or even surprised that this happened. Is this what’s wrong with our society? Have we come to expect not just the hate, but the expression of hate in such a public way? I have tried to process how I feel about this incident. This kind of racist/religious hatred is a form of terrorism. The people who commit crimes like this want us to be afraid. They want us to think that someone is out to get us. It is both heinous and cowardly to act out in this way. I choose to believe that it is also an expression of fear on the part of the individuals involved. Fear of the unknown, fear of those who are different, fear that they themselves are not “good enough”. They seek to degrade anything or anyone that doesn’t look like they do. It makes them feel stronger, more powerful and in control. Now, I’m all about control – real control is power in its rawest form. But I also believe that we get to choose whether or not to give up our power and to whom. I don’t know how to stop attacks like these. I believe in peaceful coexistence with all people. I applaud the leadership at B’Nai Shalom for their quiet, quick and community inclusive response. When we stand together as a common people, united by a desire for peace and understanding, regardless of race or religion, we take back some of that power. We cannot live in fear; we will not be swayed from our beliefs by the hatred of others. We may not be shocked or surprised, but if we continue to respond as a peaceful, united community we will be stronger than those who hate. Michele Setton

• On behalf of the Westchester (NY) Jewish Council, please extend our heartfelt wishes of solidarity and brother/sisterhood to and with your clergy, leadership and membership as you deal with this terrible sitation. May you as a community find the courage to move past it with strength and determination. Kol tuv, Ron Ron Burton, President Westchester Jewish Council
• I was appalled when I read about the vandalism at your temple. God forbid I should ever lose my capacity to be shocked by such things. I believe your decision to leave the mess in plain view for a while was nothing short of inspired – folks need to see the ugliness in order to learn the true lessons it conveys. I live in Charlotte, North Carolina and can’t be there to help you with the cleanup but believe me, I would be if I could. These acts of hatred stem from fear and ignorance. Shame on those who did it, and even greater shame on those who help put the hate in their hearts and nurture it. I pray for you and your community, and for those who did this foul thing, that God will touch their hearts and heal them of their hate. I pray that all of us find a way to forgive them, but I know that “forgive and forget” is for God alone. We poor human beings can sometimes be better served by “forgive and remember”, lest it happen again. You will all be on my mind for a long time to come. Lennie Richardson

• I have just heard from a dear friend and sister in Christ that your Synagogue was attacked. I do hope they catch the perpetrator(s). This act of hatred is senseless. In this situation, it's hard to think who might be the one to do this. Whether it's radical muslims or just plain old anti Semitic Americans. I am sorry about this, and I pray that they are caught. My hopes to all the members and their families, G-d bless you all, Robin McCann.

• Greetings Rabbi Sunshine and Shalom my brothers and sisters of B’nai Shalom community, I wanted you all to know that this terrible, childlike behavior and sin against you all struck my heart tonight as I read the news online. http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local-beat/Local-Synagogue-Vandalized-With-Words-Of-Hate--99272519.html You have my support, thoughts and prayers. My family and I lived in Germantown MD not too long ago and I was shocked to see such a horrible thing would happen in such a nice a place as Olney and to my brother’s and sisters at your congregation. This “child” needs G-d in their life, whoever it is, and they need to know the truth of G-d’s word and I will pray that that opportunity would come to you with that person(s) so that G-d may be glorified. I pray that the individual(s) would be convicted of their hateful, childish behavior and come forward. I also pray that there would be forgiveness and redemption so that all may be healed and that G-d’s way’s may be demonstrated in the midst of this brazen act and that all of this press can be used to further G-d’s ways as example. May G-d bless you and keep you, may His face shine upon you and may His truth be revealed to you in this situation, may you all be comforted in knowing that G-d is greater and will bring the best out of this situation. We stand together with you. Shalom, Benjamin E. Bivens, Charlotte, NC

• Hello from Brooklyn NY. I received an email regarding the vandalism of your synagogue. I am very upset to hear this and want you and your congregants to know that you have many Christian friends who stand with you. Please know that you are all in my prayers. Shalom, Trevia Jimenez

• Thank you for contacting my pastor, Pastor Pat, yesterday to let him know of the terrible, hateful, hurtful vandalism that was done to the your house of worship and to your precious congregation, our neighbors, our friends. What a blessing it was for me to be able to attend your service Monday evening. Your words were of such great comfort to me and the unity expressed by everyone there was such an encouragement to me. Thank you, and your Cantor, for helping me to follow along in your worship, by giving me references to the pages, and for helping me hear and say the words in the songs :) ... it meant a lot to me to be able to try and sing along and to say as best I could the words spoken from your liturgy. I just wanted you to know that I am keeping you, your congregation, and our entire community in my prayers, and I will be praying with you, that the Lord will indeed: "Frustrate the designs of those that plot evil against me; make nothing of their schemes." God's Peace be with you always, abbracci ~ Marianne McCoy Seguin, Sandy Spring, Maryland

• I am very sorry, appalled actually, to read about the assault on your synagogue. This is a message of support and unity. It comes to you from a life-long Catholic. I am confident that a virtual totality of Christianity stands with you and your congregation against this stupid and barbaric trespass. Although born out of nihilism, I hope it can become for us an opportunity to re-dedicate ourselves to our faith in God and our purpose in life to serve Him. God bless B'Nai Shalom of Olney. Gene Clough

• I returned from a family weekend and Bar Mitzvah in Atlanta to learn of the desecration of your synagogue. I was shocked and disheartened and wanted to express my concern. I hope that the support you are receiving from members of your shul and the greater community will help to ameliorate the pain you are feeling. You and all the congregation are in my thoughts. B’Shalom, Kandy Hutman, Continuing Education Program Director, JCC Greater Washington

• I saw and read about the vandalism that was done to your synagogue. I think your choice to not immediately cover up the graffiti was a good one. Covering it up would have just been covering up the truth: Jews still face a lot of persecution, even in the United States, even in a state like Maryland, even in a city like Olney. And we can't forget that. We can't forget that we are still fighting to live, as Jews, in peace. I was recently on a group trip to Prague with the JEC, a Jewish organization in New York City, to learn about the Maharal and his influence in Prague. Our small group of 20-30 year-olds visited the Maharal Shul, attended Shabbat services, and learned the rich history of a place where our ancestors hailed from. BUT we also visited Terezin Concentration Camp and saw the crematorium, the mass graves, the hidden synagogue, and the childrens' artwork. For our group (on that trip) in for Jews in general, it's important, not only to learn about the good, but the bad as well. Because if we don't, if we don't see the truth in front of our faces, we live in naivete. And more importantly, we run the risk of forgetting; forgetting not only all that has happened to us as a people, but forgetting how far we've come, and how far we still have to go. And that's exactly why I think your decision was a wise one. I truly hope these horrendous acts bring your congregation together as a stronger force. Jennifer Levi

• I read this morning of the vandalism that occurred at your Synagogue. I just can not believe that this still goes on in this day and age. If there is anything that I can do to help, please let me know. Shalom, and God bless, Todd Boyer, San Antonio, Texas

• I just read, with horror, about the hateful acts of vandalism that were committed against the people of your synagogue. I want you and your congregation to know that there are still many Christians like myself who find anti-Semitism in all its forms reprehensible. As I was growing up in the Cleveland area in the 1970’s, I was fortunate to spend a summer volunteering at a Jewish Nursing Home. At that time, more than a few of the residents were holocaust survivors. I cannot begin to express how wonderful it was to have to the opportunity to get to know them. It seems that people have begun to forget the attacks that both fascism and communism made on the dignity of the human person. I, and many fellow-Catholics, will never forget. Please know that there are thousands who are in solidarity with you. While the relationship between Jewish and Catholic communities has not been strong always or everywhere, my family would be proud to stand with you against such hatred and violence. May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of Moses, David, and Elijah, give you courage and peace. Semper pax, Jaymie Stuart Wolfe

• We wanted to let you know that we share BSOs sadness and anger at the act of anti-semitism committed this past weekend at your shul. We also wanted to thank you for making it possible for the greater community to come together to show its support and share in the processing of this disturbing event. The service and presentation on Monday night was informative and inspirational. It definitely made us all aware of the need to face the hard task of educating our friends and our community rather than complacently assuming that all is well. L'shalom, Nancy, Rodney, and Ilana Matheson

• I was so disheartened to learn of the graffiti you arrived to find on B'nai Shalom yesterday morning. Hopefully, you and your congregants have found comfort in the outpouring of community support. If there is anything OUDC can do to help, please do let me know. All the best, Rachael Feldman, Operation Understanding DC

• I just wanted to send my support to your synagogue after hearing about what happened this morning. It is shocking and sad to see that even 60 years later hatred is still alive. When I was a teenager, my synagogue was vandalized similar to what happened. Instead of causing fear, it brought our community together. We became strong and fought harder for our place in the larger neighborhood. It was one of many moments that shaped who I am and the reason I become a holocaust educator. While we all wish that hatred was not part of our world, when we see it we must unite together to educate others. I know that you, your board and your community are just at the beginning stages of dealing with this episode and to teach/learn from it. Please let me know if I can be of any service. I know what a strong youth program you have and for many of these children, this is a turning point. All my best to you and the whole BSO family. Sincerely, Kim Sanders-Jacobsohn

• I was shocked and sorry to see the offensive markings on your temple. Rest assured, the community stands with you and we all condemn the expressions of hate that were perpetrated on your family. But in reality it was committed on all of us. If you are going to have a day of repair, please let me know because I would like to help in any way I can. Libby Wright, Olney

• I was devastated to learn of the hate crimes at your shul and the surrounding neighborhood, not only because I am Jewish and live in Olney, but because I have been through this at 2 more shuls. I grew up in Shaare Tefila and have strong memories of how our shul looked when it was desecrated. We were all so very proud of our rabbi, Martin S. Halpern, for the way he handled the situation and that he took it to the Supreme Court. Because of him, anti-Jewish desecration is a hate crime. It wasn’t that long ago that Adas Israel was hit. I guess the only good that comes of this is that it pulls communities together and it shows everyone that anti-Semitism is alive and well in America. I hope your shul and community will be safe and will not have any more trouble. Best wishes, Marcia G. Miller

• I am out of town, however, news reached me about the terrible anti-Semitic vandalism Bnai Shalom Congregation recently suffered. Please know that I and Beth Shalom Congregation stand in solidarity with you during this difficult time. Please let us know if we can help in any way. As Beruriah taught many centuries ago, may the evil deeds of our enemies come to be no more. Rabbi Susan Grossman, Beth Shalom Congregation

• I just read the reports about the acts of vandalism on your synagogue, and was personally hurt and outraged by this blatant act of hatred. I’m so sorry you all have had to endure this kind of violence… I’m sure you’ve been bombarded with lots of work since then, but please know that my church and I are praying for you and B’nai Shalom and stand with you in any way we can. (We’re located in Laurel, so we’re actually not too far from Olney.) May our God bless and keep you and B’Nai Shalom as you repair, heal, and rebuild. Please know that I’m here for you for anything you might need! Pastor Chris Owens, First United Methodist Church

• I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am about the vandalism to B’nai Shalom. This is truly devastating and I just wanted to let you know that you and the congregation are in my thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do or if you are involving the broader community in the cleanup efforts. All the best, Marci Harris-Blumenthal, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington

• I was very shocked and saddened to hear of the recent vandalism at B'nai Shalom. I was at a funeral at your place of worship just a few weeks ago and have also been there for various other functions. Acts of hate dimish all of us and none of us are safe when these acts are tolerated or left unchecked. I am very proud to live in a community where people of all faiths respect, honor, value and support each other. Again, my thoughts are with you during this distressing time. Keith Gibb, President, Brooke Grove Foundation

• A friend sent me the story from Arutz Sheva web site. I was so saddened about what happened! I am a Roman Catholic Christian, but have very deep roots in my Faith that come from Judaism! Jesus was and is Jewish, but welcomes everyone. You will be in my prayers! Vengence is God's and we need to pray for our enemies, and speak out for what is just, decent and good! God Bless you and the Congregation! I am living in South Carolina now, and we have two very active Synagogues and a wonderful Jewish Community. Shalom, Baruch HaShem, Miss Donna K. Rock

• I wanted to express my shock and dismay at the anti-semitic vandalism suffered by B'nai Shalom of Olney and to let you know my thoughts and prayers are with you. Although, I just returned from a business trip late last night, I was kept updated of the events through e-mails, articles and phone conversations while away. As a member of Ohev Shalom Talmud Torah of Olney and a resident of Heritage Hills Drive, just around the corner from BSO, I view this as an attack on all Jews, no matter where we are. My daughter called from college when she learned about it and was in tears during the whole conversation. We have many friends at BSO and have attended there a numbers of times throughout the years. We are also long time friends of Rabbi Pohl and his family and my daughter, Sari, considers Ariela Pohl her lifelong best friend. Although, we have visted the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam, and as a Charles E Smith Jewish Day School graduate, Sari has been to concentration camps in Poland, the BSO incident was the first anti-semitic incident in her life that personally affected her. She could not believe that it happened a quarter mile from her house in Olney and to a shule that she had been to so many times. Our members at OSTT were also disgusted by it, especially those who are children of Holocaust Survivors such as Rabbi Milikowsky. I hope to have more communication with you in the future regarding this matter and possibly work together in being vigilent. We should all be on a high alert since vandalism and worse could happen to any of us. I think we may have become complacent since 9/11 has faded somewhat into the background. We at OSTT have had dialogues and occasional warnings issued in the past in regards to terrorism threats but it has been quite a while since we have addressed these issues. I pray that there will never be another similar incident again, anywhere. Stuart Stahler, President, Ohev Shalom Talmud Torah of Olney

• I was very impressed and moved at Monday's service, thank you for the invite. I wish to continue to express my support to you and to your congregation. I spoke to two of Good Shepherd's youth who came Monday afternoon to assist with the cleaning. I thanked them and was very happy they sought to be of help. The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd joins me in fervent prayer as we pray for the Lord's care and protection upon you, your facility and your faith community. Thank you for your witness and presence in our Olney community! Prayerfully, Pastor Pat

• We were on vacation the last couple of days and just returned home to see the heartbreaking news of the recent vandalism at the temple. Needless to say, our thoughts likely echo those of many others you have had contact with over the last couple of days, and include disbelief, sadness, anger, and most of all—a unique feeling of unity as both a congregation and community unites to combat this senseless conduct displayed by others. Lisa and I wanted to express our apologies for not being able to personally be there earlier this week. All our best to you and the family, Phil Kroop

• I just learned about the incident at your shul. I'm so sorry to hear it. Sounds like you handled it with strength and dignity. Yashar koach. I hope your community only grows strong from this incident. Wishing you all the best. Rabbi Matt Field

• I just wanted to reach out after the vandalism at B'nai Shalom this weekend. We at JUFJ are wishing you a swift resolution to the situation and more peaceful times to come. Be well, Rabbi Elizabeth Richman, Program Director and Rabbi in Residence, Jews United for Justice

• I saw the atrocious news that your shul was vandalized. We stand with you. Is there anything we can do? Rabbi Michael Ragozin, Congregation Sha'are Shalom

• I hope you’re doing okay. Just read about what happened at your shul – unbelievable. Just know I, and Ramah CA, are thinking of you and Jen and your family. B’virkat Shalom, Rabbi Daniel Greyber, Executive Director Camp Ramah in California
• Just wanted to drop you a note. We at camp were shocked and dismayed at the recent atrocity of vandalism and hate visited on your synagogue community. We wanted you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, your staff and congregants during this difficult time. While we of course want to offer any assistance, my sense is there is little we can do but pray and send our best wishes. If you want to escape, laugh and smile the camp the door is always open. Fondly, David Phillips, President & CEO, Capital Camps & Retreat Center

• I am so sorry about the vandalism at B'nai Shalom, and wish I could be there to help with the clean-up and to show my support to the B'nai community. I am in there with all my heart and spirit. When I saw how the community of Olney and Montgomery County all came together, I had my faith in the goodness of people restored. I think that something beautiful came out of this horrible crime, and I wish I could have been there. B'nai Shalom is in my prayers. Sincerely, Erin Walper

• I wanted to let you know that I, as everyone else that I have spoken with, was devastated and enraged by the hate crime that was committed against B'nai Shalom this past week. Larry (Greenberg, brother-in-law) has kept us up to date on how the County is handling this situation. I just wanted to let you know that you and the congregation are in my thoughts. I do take this heinous act as a personal affront against all Jews, including me. I want to wish you a got Shabbat and pray for those who are so filled with hate. Kindest regards, Ellen Greenberg, Director, Information Services, Jewish Council for the Aging

• My parents, Gene and Suzanne Newman, informed me of the hate crime that occurred at B’nai Shalom of Olney. I was shocked and disgusted to hear about this crime. It deeply touched me having grown up going to services at B’nai Shalom of Olney, and my daughter having her baby naming at the synagogue. I wanted to let you know that the community of B’nai Shalom of Olney are in our thoughts out here in San Diego, CA. It is interesting how the intentions of those who committed this hate crime was to spread hate, but it ended up backfiring on them thanks to you. You turned this hate crime around on them to spread the gift of love. The outpouring of love you are receiving throughout your community and throughout the country is amazing. The community of B’nai Shalom defeated those who committed this crime by coming together as a community and reaching out to others in the community to do the same. You are a great example of how love is stronger than hate. If only those who committed this crime had as much love in their life as B’nai Shalom of Olney has received, maybe they would have never have done such an ignorant act. I plan on sharing your article about the hate crime to my synagogue in San Diego, not so much to let them know about the hate crime itself (even though it was a despicable act), but rather to share a great example of how a community can unite together to turn something so hateful into a spread of unity and love. I applaud you and the community of B’nai Shalom of Olney. You are in our hearts and our thoughts during this upsetting time. Love, The Sabol Family

• I was very shocked and saddened to hear of the vandalism and hate crime graffiti that B'nai Shalom was recently subjected to. Your presence has always been a blessing to the Olney community. It is upsetting to realize that being a strong force for good in a community can draw criminal attacks from minds warped by bigotry. I very much appreciate the courage and integrity of your decision not to play the game by quickly erasing the vandalism and graffiti. It is heartening to hear of the outpouring of support from the surrounding community that was made possible by your decision to make cleaning the synagogue a community activity. I moved from Olney to my current church two years ago, and did not hear about this in time to participate, which I regret. Thank you also for the thank-you letter to friends in the community. I was happy to find your email address there, so I could send this message of support, which I have been wanting to send. I will be in Canada at the time of your community discussion on August 14th, or I would certainly have attended--that is a wonderful idea. Please add me to the list of those who would like to do anything we can to show our support. To quote Numbers, the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. Pastor Judy Young, Washington Grove United Methodist Church

• On behalf of the Board of Directors, residents and staff of the Jewish Foundation for Group Homes, we wish to express our solidarity with the congregants of B'nai Shalom of Olney as they cope with the unconscionable act of desecration against your beautiful building and grounds and the symbol it represents for all we hold dear. As beneficiaries of and participants in many acts of kindness that you provide, we know that an act of vandalism against one member of our community is an act of vandalism against all members of our community. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you as you endure and recover from this grievous violation of our country's fundamental rights to live free of fear and worry as proud Jews. Dennis Speisman, Board President - Jewish Foundation for Group Homes and Vivian G. Bass, CEO - Jewish Foundation for Group Homes

• The Rabbinical Assembly proudly stands in solidarity with Congregation B’nai Shalom of Olney during this special Shabbat service. This morning in the synagogue, we read from the Torah God’s commandment that we are to set up a system of judges and magistrates in order to fulfill God’s vision of “Justice, Justice, shall you pursue.” How sad that a synagogue would be defaced with hate speech simply for being a building representing a vibrant Jewish community and Jewish life. The work that you have done over the past few weeks in bringing together your community has been remarkable. Members of your shul have given untold hours of service in every aspect from cleaning the graffiti off of your building to helping law enforcement officials with the investigation. Your board member, Eileen Frazier, put it so poignantly when she said, “The irony is that an event like this is designed to divide a community, and it has achieved the exact opposite.” We are grateful that this unfortunate incident has brought people together in unity and in love not only within your community, but also from across religious divides. Mutual respect and mutual support are not only Jewish values, but they are also keystones to a democratic and just society. In our brief conversation this morning, you spoke about the outpouring of support as well as using this incident as a way to educate your neighbors about hate crimes like this. We are so proud that you made the determination to allow the community to help clean the graffiti from the shul and that 200 people showed up at 3:00 in the afternoon to help in this endeavor and that 500 people participated in the Minyan later that evening. This is a testament to your leadership as well as to the strength of your community.  We hope that the perpetrators of this horrible hate crime will be apprehended and prosecuted. It is important to show the world that this kind of behavior will not be accepted in a civilized society. May we all be blessed to see the day when hate will be abandoned and when peace and understanding will prevail. Sincerely, Rabbi Julie Schonfeld, Executive Vice President and Rabbi Gilah Dror, President

• Resolution of Support for B’nai Shalom of Olney, Maryland
  August 2, 2010
  WHEREAS, B’nai Shalom of Olney, Maryland was the victim of a serious hate crime perpetrated through extensive vandalism of the exterior of their synagogue building; and
  WHEREAS, Temple Israel of Charlotte, North Carolina agrees with the statement by the Montgomery County Council that, “A hate crime directed against any segment of our community is in fact directed against our entire community;”
  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that, as members of K’lal Yisroel, the Board of Trustees on behalf of itself, its clergy, and its membership condemns this anti-Semitic act of vandalism against B’nai Shalom of Olney; and
  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Temple Israel stands with B’nai Shalom of Olney and supports their efforts to show solidarity amongst the entire community in condemning this act; and
  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Temple Israel congratulates our friend Rabbi Ari Sunshine for approaching this in a way that brings the community at large together in healing and sends a strong message to the perpetrators that this kind of anti-Semitic act will not be tolerated.
  Approved by the Board of Trustees of Temple Israel
  This second day of August 2010 at Charlotte, North Carolina

• I brought my three children here (to the synagogue) to express my solidarity with Jewish people and give them the understanding of the enemy that exists in the world today, the enemy they will have to fight as they grow up. Hate, racism, anti-Semitism are real. Hope, solidarity and good will of good people are real too. Hate will never win. Vita Wootten, Nikita, Sasha and Andrew

• I am writing to express my sympathy for you and your congregation following the hate crimes directed at B’nai Shalom of Olney recently. I was pleased to see yesterday that an arrest was made and am hopeful that justice will be served in this case. Please know that your neighbors in Howard County stand in solidarity with you and are willing to offer any help or assistance you may need as you move past this unfortunate incident. Ken Ulman, Howard County Executive

• On behalf of Shirat HaNefesh, I would like to express our shock and horror at the desecration of your synagogue on July 26th. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are relieved to hear that the police have apprehended the suspect and yet his arrest does not erase the hatred he sprayed on your shul. We applaud your efforts to make this sad and disturbing event into an opportunity for learning and growth. Please let us know if you plan any further observances or community-wide demonstrations of support so that we can invite our congregants to participate. Sincerely, Karen Schlesinger, President, Shirat HaNefesh

• The members of the Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board share your dismay at the senseless and loathsome acts perpetrated on B’nai Shalom’s building and congregation. We join in the outpouring of support and fellowship from our community members and institutions. B’nai Shalom’s will to rebuild and move on gives meaning to the saying, “Evil often triumphs, but never conquers.” As the congregation prepares for a meaningful time in the Jewish year, we extend our hope that the year 5771 will bring peace and understanding to our community. Sincerely, L. Blaine Charak, Chair