Graffiti on Dix Hills Synagogue Called 'Act of Hatred'

August 17, 2008

Author: Olivia Winslow

Source: Newsday.com

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/ny-lihate0818,0,119381.story

A large white screen covered the graffiti on the rear of the Dix Hills Jewish Community Center yesterday, blocking from view the black, spray-painted expressions of hate.

The synagogue's rabbi, Howard Buechler, who is studying in Israel and will return next week, said he was notified "within an hour" of the graffiti's discovery Sunday by the synagogue's leadership, who reported the matter to police. Suffolk police are investigating.

"We have confidence that the police department and the bias squad are working diligently and steadfastly on this case," Buechler said.

Buechler, who has been rabbi there for 17 years, said it was a first for the Dix Hills center, a Conservative congregation of some 600 families on Vanderbilt Parkway.

He described the graffiti as a "horrific act of hatred that reflects only upon the bias and prejudice of a person or small group of people, and in no way reflects upon the goodness, the goodwill and the amazing respect that faith communities have in Dix Hills and across Long Island."