ACTION: Take a stand against hate acts!

In case you haven't seen the news, I've attached a short article at the end of this posting.

The quick story is that there have been hate acts of anti-Semitic graffiti in Brooklyn Heights, in the area around First Church. As a response, the Interfaith Clergy Association of Brooklyn Heights has invited all houses of worship to hang banners on their building that speak out against religious hatred and speak in solidarity with our Jewish sisters and brothers.

A proposal has been made to take some of the funds that YOU have raised (from the Christmas cookie baking and Shrove Tuesday dinner) and put it toward this banner. The money was raised by you, so it is up to your responses how it will be spent.

To voice your stance, vote at a new poll here on the on the blog (right side panel), or send a message to Mark or Beth.

If you choose to spend Youth money as a witness in this way, PLEASE BE AT CHURCH on Sunday and we will take a group picture under the banner (approximately 12:30PM). If you feel strongly enough to write a response, feel free to post it as a comment to this blog entry.

Swastikas Painted On Brooklyn Synagogues, Cars, Homes

NEW YORK -- Vandals painted swastikas and other anti-Semitic messages on the streets of Brooklyn Heights on Monday, defacing two synagogues and shaking up many residents of the typically quiet neighborhood.

New York City Police said the anti-Semitic graffiti was found shortly before 10 p.m. Monday. The Nazi symbols were painted on the top of staircases of the two synagogues. Three homes on Columbia Place were also defaced.

Other anti-Semitic markings were spray painted on two cars in the area.

The NYPD is treating the vandalism as a bias crime.