During the weekend, an incident occurred at Young Israel of Bnei Brak in Israel, which has been condemned by the National Council of Young Israel (NCYI). Swastikas were spray-painted on walls and doors of the synagogue on Saturday morning. The congregants of the Young Israel synagogue, where many Holocaust survivors and their relatives worship, also found photos of Shira Banki, who was murdered in a pride parade six years ago. 

As NCYI president Rabbi David Warshaw put it, “Defacing synagogues with swastikas is an abominable act of depravity.” Vandalizing a synagogue, especially that houses survivors of the Holocaust is cowardly and contemptible. The perpetrators calledously transformed a synagogue through an offensive and racist act. We must remain vigilant at all times, as rabid antisemitism is on the rise in this supposed center of spirituality and serenity. 

“We hope that the authorities will apprehend and prosecute those responsible for this vile antisemitic vandalism,” Warshaw said.

As a major community service organization, the National Council of Young Israel has provided outstanding service to the Jewish community for 109 years. There are approximately 135 branch synagogues of the National Council of Young Israel located throughout North America, Canada, and Israel. With over 25,000 members and approximately 135 branch synagogues, it is a multifaceted organization embracing Jewish communal needs and often playing a leading role in addressing important Jewish issues in North America and Israel.