ADL Deplores Anti-Semitic Graffiti on Coral Springs Jewish Community Center

Date: November 9, 2009

UPDATE: ADL, Coral Springs Police Department & Crime Stoppers are offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspect(s) responsible for the hate crime. Please contact Crime Stoppers with information: (954) 493-TIPS.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) deplores the anti-Semitic graffiti discovered this morning at the Soref Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Coral Springs.

Andrew Rosenkranz, ADL Florida Regional Director, issued the following statement:

"The walls and windows of the Jewish Community Center in Coral Springs were discovered this morning covered with horrible anti-Semitic messages.  Whenever anti-Semitism and messages of hate appear, it is critical for the community to unite and condemn such hatred," stated Andrew Rosenkranz, ADL Florida Regional Director. "Today begins the 71st anniversary of "Kristallnacht," the night of broken glass when Jewish property and windows were shattered in Germany signifying the beginning of the Nazis' public persecution of German Jews. It is disheartening to think that several decades later, Jewish community centers are still being targeted."

The Anti-Defamation League is communicating with the Soref JCC and the Coral Springs Police Department regarding the investigation of this crime. The ADL believes that the remedy for combating the poison of bigotry exists in the support and active role of law-enforcement, through appropriate legislation, through anti-bias education, and through leaders in the community standing together to condemn the bigotry.

In 2008, ADL's Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents reported a total of 122 anti-Semitic incidents in Florida. The Audit comprises data from across Florida, including information provided to ADL's Florida office by victims, law enforcement and community leaders.  The Audit identifies both criminal acts, such as vandalism, violence and threats of violence, and non-criminal incidents of harassment and intimidation.

ADL in the News
Sun-Sentinel: Swastikas found spray-painted on Coral Springs Jewish community center walls
AP/Miami Herald: Vandalism discovered at Jewish community center
CBS-4: Hate-Filled Messages On Walls Of Jewish Comm. Ctr.
NBC-6: Hate Messages Found at Broward Jewish Center
FOX-7: South Florida Jewish community center hit by hate (View Video)
United Press International: Death threats painted on Jewish Center
Sun-Sentinel: Reward Raised for Arrest in Vandalism of Coral Springs Jewish Center
Miami Herald: $2,500 Reward Offered in Jewish Center Vandalism
CBS-4: JCC Cleans Up Hate-Filled Graffiti