Denver Synagogue Vandalized(Passion of Christ Blamed)

9News .com (Denver) ^ | 3/6/2004 4:44:35 PM | Paola Farer

[woofie]

DENVER - A Denver synagogue was damaged with graffiti overnight. Swastikas were drawn on the synagogue on south Monaco Parkway.

The graffiti was in the doorway and across a sign. There were also several symbols drawn on the back wall of the building.

A holocaust survivor who saw the graffiti says it was almost too much to take. There was no official response available from the congregation Saturday, although several people who called 9NEWS to report the damage said that they blamed Mel Gibson’s movie “The Passion of the Christ” for rekindling anti-Semitism.

Members of the congregation will gather Sunday morning to start cleaning off the graffiti.

[af_vet_1981]

Probably one of The Chosen did the vandalizing...

What spirit just told you to write that comment ?

[af_vet_1981]

to blame "Passion" is knee-jerk

I agree. Without evidence that the perps saw the movie or were motivated by the controversy around it, it is irresponsible, not to mention unfair, to blame it on the movie. We don't even know who the perps are yet.

[sweetliberty]

What hogwash!

[af_vet_1981]

Surveillance cameras reviewed in 'Virgin Mary' vandalism

Surveillance cameras are an excellent method to deter and catch vandals. They should be prosecuted no matter what group they subscribe to so that group can disavow them and contribute to safety for all other groups.

[af_vet_1981]

I remember growing up in NY where a local synagogue was repeatedly vandalized. The press and many Jewish community leaders cried "antisemitism." I found out that the anti-semites were my three Jewish friends who figured out how to get inside the synagogue when it was locked to the public.

Did you report them to the police (I certainly hope so) ?

[Last Dakotan]

You don't think its reasonable that they would find this upsetting?

Scale of response, upsetting yes, "Almost too much to take", no.

[woofie]

Ok ...this comment is meant to calm everyone down....

Bush did it

[Cold Heat]

LOL! Or GWB.

This post has scratched a few raw nerves.

For the past several days, there have been some rather heated comments about supporters of the Passion.

The threads seem to have morphed into the Christian Chronicles of thousand year old hatreds.

Most, if not All of us would like to continue with the previously good opinions and feeling we had, prior to this, but the attacks, either through the media or through mis guided replies continue.

I for one, would love to forgive the 2000 year old people who Crucified Christ, as He has done and for my forefathers to be forgiven of their sins as well.

That is where we ought to be in this discourse. And that is where I want to go.

[rogueleader]

Any evidence that it was Mel Gibson? Did anyone see him there?

Okay, folks, it is a very serious matter. Let's try to keep it focused. You can't blame a filmmaker for something he has no control over.

Why aren't the Muslims implicated? They are behind the wave of Jew-hatred attacks and synagogue burnings in Europe.

Anyway, if this is a "Christian" Jew-hatred attack, those responsible should be ashemed, ask God for forgiveness, and turn themselves in at the nearest police station or be hunted down like dogs.

Would a Christian proudly display a swastika to Jesus Christ, himself a Jew?

Nazi actions are a sin, because they are opposed to the Golden Rule.

[ApplegateRanch]

I hope that's a reference to Jordan's Wheel of Time.

[Cold Heat]

You, Mr. gasoline and matches

LOL! I made a crack about popcorn for the event that was coming for sure.

I have seen plenty the past few days.

[malakhi]

The fact that it was just "painting swastikas" makes me think that this was an inside job.

Why would you think that?

[Cold Heat]

Barbie is buhbye

[AUH2OY2K]

Actually, I was in 7th grade at the time and told my parents. They felt it was best to stay out of it in that 1. The three Jewish friends were also in 7th grade 2. The Jewish Community was in such an uproar, cry "Antisemitism" that I, as a blue eyed, blond Christian would likely be persecuted and/or ostracized for coming forward with the truth. 3. I made my friends promise not to engage in such a stupid activity and do something good for their house of worship.

[woofie]

While forgiveness might be the "Christian" thing to do ..I think we need to remember that George Washington was a slave owner... and I dont think we are not supposed to forget the Vietnam War....uh, and remember the Alamo.

I bet there are a few other things the liberals want us to remember, but I forget what they are.

[DestroytheDemocrats]

"Then, I'll show you a teenaged miscreant or two who should be punished."

You are also jumping to conclusions. No matter WHO did it, teenagers or whomever it IS an anti-semetic incident. It IS antisemitism. And let us both agree that certainly that would be upsetting to the members of that congregation. People just don't like their places of worship trashed. And we certainly agree they should be punished.

IF it was caused by the movie we don't know. It is possible that the suspects said to themselves, "Lets trash this place so these people will blame it on the movie." That seems odd. More likely it was "Lets upset these Jews. "

[malakhi]

I found out that the anti-semites were my three Jewish friends who figured out how to get inside the synagogue when it was locked to the public.

And therefore this must be the case here?

[Cold Heat]

It is true, that our society has been on a victimology binge for some time.

Recent press about some black activists passing out white supremicist literature at a college indicates to me that they are desperate to keep it going.

I cannot say for sure that what happened here is related to this kind of disgusting stuff, or if it is just plain vandalism, but people know how to get attention and press and it would not surprise me to see more of this.

[AUH2OY2K]

Just an anecdote, and perhaps a thought that one should reserve judgment until all the facts are in.

[patriciaruth]

What particular thing do you think the members of this synagogue did to bring this on themselves?

I think they were the random victims of some nut who got the idea from listening to the hype about the film being anti-semitic.