Graffiti hits close to home
Melissa Potter, co-chair Security Committee
Sunday, November 26, marked the first hate-filled vandalism reported in our local area. A mailbox and "Everyone Belongs" sign were damaged and spray-painted, including hateful words and a swastika, in Franconia, NH, approximately 5 miles from Bethlehem Hebrew Congregation.
There have been a number of incidents of this type of vandalism in the state in recent months, but up until now, they were in the Lakes region or further south. I attended a meeting at the Jewish Federation of New Hampshire on November 27, where Jane E. Young, U.S. Attorney for the District of New Hampshire, Tim DeMann, the FBI senior agent for NH, and others in law enforcement, stressed the importance of reporting these types of incidents.
f you feel you are in immediate danger, call 911. If there is no immediate danger, but it appears that a hate crime has taken place, call the police, but also let BHC leaders know. One call to the JFNH will ensure that the proper law enforcement agencies will be alerted. Unfortunately, incidents of hate have increased since October 7, so please stay safe and report suspected hate crimes.