Vandals target synagogue shuttle

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. (WSVN) -- A South Florida synagogue was hit by hate after vandals desecrated their shuttle bus.

Someone spray-painted several offensive symbols, including a swastika, on the rear-view mirror, the doors and the windows of one side of the bus.

The vandalized shuttle belongs to the Beth Hillel Messianic Synagogue, located in the 6200 block of West Sample Road in Coral Springs.

According to Rabbi David Barsky, he received a call Thursday afternoon from the landlord of the shopping center where the bus is located, informing him of the damage. Rabbi Barsky said, "Six million dead Jews who had to put up with the same hatred that's been around for thousands of years, and it made me want to cry."

The shuttle bus transports congregants to and from the place of worship. "What saddens me is that the hate today is so pervasive," said temple member Sharon Kolp. "People today just seem to be losing ... respect."

It appears that the suspects attempted to break into the bus, but nothing inside the vehicle was stolen or vandalized.

Police said they will see if there are any surveillance cameras in the area so they can determine who is responsible for the crime.

Rabbi Barksy said he plans to leave the symbols on the bus as a teaching tool, and members of his synagogue will pray for the ones who vandalized the bus.

If you have any information on the whereabouts of the vandals, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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