Police this week were continuing their investigation into a possible hate crime involving anti-Semitic graffiti that was spray-painted onto the front and side walls of the Congregation Adath Israel synagogue at 115 Huntingtown Road.

Police discovered the building’s defacement while making routine building checks on their patrol rounds just after 7:30 am on Saturday, August 24.

"An investigation into the incident has commenced, and the Newtown Police Department is working in conjunction with the officials from the synagogue to insure their safety and address their concerns... The town has provided assistance from its Public Works Department to remove the graffiti and repaint the damaged areas of the synagogue prior to the start of scheduled services,” police said in an August 24 statement.

Public Works Director Fred Hurley said August 26, “You attack one person’s religion, and you attack all of us... Everyone should be outraged by this.”

Mr Hurley said several methods were employed in seeking to eliminate the offensive graffiti.

Initially, a paint remover was tried, but that approach proved ineffective. Using a pressure washer was then tried, Mr Hurley said. But that technique was not effective.

Then, some cream-colored paint matching the hue of the synagogue’s exterior was found, he said. Applying that paint to the affected area, which is comprised of composite-style clapboards, solved the problem because the paint had great covering power.

“The best way to handle it is to paint it over,” he said of eliminating graffiti.

A Serious Hate Crime

Police Chief James Viadero said August 27, “We are not releasing photos, or the content [of the graffiti] due to the fact the investigation is ongoing, and we want to keep the unique content of the graffiti confidential. This has been discussed with the congregation’s leadership, and they agree.”

The synagogue’s video surveillance system was not operational at the time of the incident, the chief said. The front lawn of the property is posted with signage stating No Trespassing, and also stating that the property is under video surveillance.

Chief Viadero said, “At this time, we do not have any firm suspect or suspects, but we are working with our law enforcement partners and other entities in comparing our incident to recently similar incidents.

“We again ask the public for its help, if they have any information that could be if assistance. Also I’d like to reiterate that the Anti-Defamation League has provided up to $2,500 in reward monies leading to information that leads to an arrest and conviction of those responsible,” Chief Viadero said. On Tuesday, August 27, the Newtown Democratic Town Committee announced it would help those who wanted to increase that reward. DTC Chair Eric Paradis is planning to be at the Starbucks on Church Hill Road at 7 pm Thursday, August 29, collecting checks made out to the ADL, which will then be forwarded to that group.

Chief Viadero this week reiterated that his department "will commit all of our resources to the investigation of this crime, and we will not let this type of intimidation thrive in our community. We have been working closely with the congregation’s leadership to address their security concerns and will continue to do so in the future,” he said.

“As an agency, we are extremely disturbed at this act of defacing a house of worship, in particular the meaning and symbolism painted on the walls of the synagogue espouse hatred which is not indicative of this community,” police said in their August 24 statement.

“This serious hate crime will be given the full attention of this agency, while utilizing other law enforcement resources to determine the identity of those responsible. The congregation has been [assured] that enhanced patrols will continue in the area and that there will be a police presence during scheduled services,” according to that statement.

Anyone with information on the crime is asked to contact the Newtown Police Department at 203-270-4255.

First Selectman Dan Rosenthal said August 24, “This morning I viewed the hateful desecration of Congregation Adath Israel with sadness. The congregants of Adath Israel have contributed to the fabric of this community immeasurably for over 100 years. Newtown has always been a place where people of all religions are welcome and have worked together, hand in hand, to build a better community, and the hateful actions of an individual or individuals will not change that. I look forward to personally asking the courts to offer no leniency when the vile individual is apprehended.”