Philadelphia, PA – The latest in a series of wicked acts of vandalism – one aimed to harm toddlers at play outside a synagogue – has rallied neighbors in the city’s Mount Airy section to step forward.
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Rachel Gross, executive director of the Germantown Jewish Center, stood in a toddlers’ playground at the synagogue at Lincoln Drive and West Ellet Street, and pointed to a half-dozen foot-wide holes dug in the sand.
Shards of glass had been hidden inside.
“Glass was buried all over,” said Gross. “It was clearly intentional. There is no other conclusion than someone did it on purpose, and they did it to hurt children.”
She said the playground has been shut when the glass shards – most about two to three inches long – were discovered. The perimeter of the 40- by 35-foot playground is surrounded by yellow caution tape and orange netting to keep children out.
Gross said that without the help of neighbors, removing the sand would have cost about $10,000.
The planting of broken glass, is among several acts of vandalism at the synagogue this year.
On Jan. 4, two black swastikas were spray-painted on the rear of the synagogue. About two weeks later, a fire was set in a kindergarten classroom, causing damage throughout the large complex. Last month, a classroom window was broken at center, and a swastika was painted on the home of a nearby Jewish neighbor.
Capt. Winton Singletary, commander of the 14th Police District in Northwest Philadelphia, said police think the vandalism is the work of juveniles, most likely from the area.
It’s sooo scary! Now once they’re starting up with innocent children, this is a real sign of Moshiach’s closeness. We should be zoche already to see Moshiach Bimheira V’yameinu!
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let them find the cowards and make them eat the glass-filled sand!