Photo: Rabbi Stephanie Aaron stands with Alma Hernandez outside of Congregation Chaverim.
Congregation Chaverim in Tucson discovered Wednesday morning that someone had smashed the door of their synagogue with a rock overnight.
According to the Tucson Police Department, the report says the last person left Congregation Chaverim at around 8:30 pm Tuesday night and the next person arrived at the building near Speedway Blvd. and Sahuara Ave. at around 8 am the next day.
Rep. Alma Hernandez, a member of the Arizona House of Representatives and Congregation Chaverim in Tucson, reported the news on social media and shared a photo of the damage.
“This was NOT an accident! I feel numb. My heart hurts. This is my home, the place where I had my bat mitzvah, where I serve on the board, and where we go as a family. This NOT the Tucson that I know.”
Rep. Hernandez left Phoenix on Wednesday to participate in a gathering that evening in front of the sanctuary at Congregation Chaverim to show support for the community.
Police say they don’t have any suspects and Rep. Hernandez says the synagogue doesn’t have a video surveillance system and she has organized a fundraiser on Go Fund Me to raise funds to equip the shul with the security needed that includes fencing, gates, a new security system and cameras.
Tucson resident Gabby Giffords, who is also a member of Congregation Chaverim, shared the following statement on her Facebook page, “Yesterday, my synagogue in Tucson was vandalized. It’s heartbreaking to see such a disgusting act in a place where so many are meant to feel safest. Despite these actions, we will not be shaken. Hate has no place in Arizona.”
Vandalism at Congregation Chaverim.
