Swastikas Spray-Painted On Monument Near Madison Synagogue

MADISON, WI — Just as observances of Rosh Hashanah, the reflective holiday that marks the start of the Jewish New Year, began, Madison police launched an investigation into anti-Semitic vandalism that marred a monument near a historic synagogue in Wisconsin's traditionally liberal capital city.

The vandals covered the monument with swastikas and other graffiti.

Executive director Dawn Berney of Jewish Social Services of Madison says she's "horrified," but that "xenophobia is everywhere, even in Madison." (For more local news coverage, subscribe for free to the Madison Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

The graffiti was discovered Wednesday on the monument next to the Gates of Heaven Synagogue building in James Madison Park in Madison.

Berney told the Wisconsin State Journal that the graffiti was particularly disturbing because the vandalism came on the Jewish holiday. The graffiti has since been cleaned off.

Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel and Wisconsin U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, whose district includes Madison, condemned the attack.

The Gates of Heaven Synagogue was built in 1863 and served Madison's first Jewish congregation.

John Hart/Wisconsin State Journal via AP