CARMEL, IN — Members of the public will gather Monday in support of a Carmel synagogue and the Central Indiana Jewish community, two days after the local place of worship was vandalized with anti-Semitic graffiti, including a swastika and an iron cross, which both became known as Nazi symbols during the 1930s. The vandalism drew a response from local leaders, as well as Vice President Mike Pence, the former governor of Indiana.

In a statement, the Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council said “it’s appalled” by the vandalism done Saturday afternoon to the Congregation Shaarey Tefilla, 3085 West 116th Street, where two large Nazi flags were painted on campus.

The Congregation Shaarey Tefilla also released a statement, saying they’re “comforted by the outpouring of community and interfaith support being shown to the Jewish community of Carmel and Indianapolis.”

Saint Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Carmel tweeted their support for the nearby synagogue.

Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard released a statement Sunday condemning this weekend’s acts:

“I strongly condemn the actions of those responsible defacing a structure at the local Congregation Shaarey Tefilla in Carmel. There is no place for this kind of hatred in Carmel and it does not reflect the respectful and welcoming nature of the vast majority of our residents who come from many different cultural and faith backgrounds.

As we are reminded each year during our city’s Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony, we must never forget and never stop fighting against the hatred that led to the murder of 6 million Jews. These images that represent the ideas that led to those crimes are not reflective of what our City stands for.

I want to assure the Congregation Shaarey Tefilla and all of our residents that our Carmel Police Department is already investigating this incident and when apprehended, those responsible will be held accountable.”

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, the former governor of Indiana, said he is “sickened” by Saturday’s vandalism:

Sickened and appalled by the cowardly act of vandalism at Congregation Shaarey Tefilla; a beautiful synagogue in Carmel, Indiana where I have many good friends. Those responsible must be held accountable. These vile acts of anti-Semitism must end. https://t.co/0h6rKPilda
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) July 29, 2018

The JCRC and the congregation say they’ve been in contact with law enforcement, government officials, national organizations and other synagogues, who’ve ensured support and safety as a priority for the Jewish community.

Monday’s Community Solidarity Gathering will take place at 6 p.m. at the synagogue, during which community and faith leaders will speak.

Image via Shutterstock