Sixth & I Synagogue in Washington, D.C. Image by David Monack/Wikipedia

By Josefin Dolsten December 3, 2019

(JTA) — The Sixth & I synagogue in downtown Washington, D.C., was vandalized with anti-Semitic graffiti.

Michelle Eider, the synagogue’s communications manager, said the vandalism contained swastikas and anti-Semitic language and was discovered on Monday morning.

In an email to congregants, the synagogue’s three rabbis said the damage was minimal and would be quickly fixed.

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“In these moments, it’s important to remember that it is not a shame but an honor to be a Jew,” said the email. “It is no small irony that it was our doors, symbols of welcoming and inclusivity, onto which someone spewed hatred and bigotry.”

Police arrested a 28-year-old suspect on Monday and charged him with defacing and destroying property and resisting arrest, The Washington Post reported.

In addition to hosting services and Jewish programming, the non-denominational synagogue hosts events featuring well-known entertainers, thinkers, writers and politicians.

I am devastated to learn that my beloved @SixthandI was victimized and defaced with antisemitic Graffiti this past Shabbat. I have no words for what this place means to me. My husband converted there. Rabbi Shira married us. My daughter was named there. I am distraught. pic.twitter.com/NwvAVF4T4j

— Carly Pildis (@CarlyPildis) December 2, 2019

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