Tucson's Chabad On River Vandalized With Swastika, Slur

TUCSON, AZ — Tucson's Chabad on River synagogue was the victim of antisemitic vandalism over the weekend.

The vandalism, which was discovered by members of the synagogue's staff on Monday morning, is the latest incidence of antisemitism in Tucson, coming weeks after Tucson's Congregation Chaverim was targeted.

RELATED: Tucson's Congregation Chaverim Vandalized

Arizona Rep. Alma Hernandez said on Twitter that the synagogue vandalism is the latest episode in a long line of antisemitic acts in the region.

On Wednesday, Tucson Police Department Street Crimes Interdiction Unit Supervisor, Sgt. Alfredo Mesa released the following statement on the case:

"On June 7, 2021, Detectives from the Tucson Police Hate Crimes Unit were notified of vandalism at the Chabad On River Synagogue. Detectives learned a swastika and an anti-Semitic slur was spray painted on an interior door of the courtyard. The vandalism occurred sometime between Friday, June 4th and the early morning hours of Monday, June 7th. This incident is actively and aggressively being investigated as a hate crime by the Street Crimes Interdiction Unit. This unit is responsible for investigating incidents of hate and bias crime. In addition to the incident mentioned above, a second synagogue was vandalized recently within the City of Tucson when a rock was thrown through a window; however, there is no evidence to indicate a hate/bias motive in that case. The Tucson Police Department strongly condemns any hate crime and will continue to aggressively investigate this incident. The Tucson Police Department is asking for public assistance and asking anyone with information to contact 88-CRIME. The Anti-Defamation League is offering a $3,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction."

Patch has reached out to Chabad on River and Hernandez for comment and will update this story once they respond.