Jerusalem, May 4, 2006 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) strongly condemns the attack on the Grand Synagogue in Petach Tikva where worshippers discovered swastikas spray-painted overnight on its doors, walls, torah scrolls and prayer books. 
 
The word "Hitler" was also reportedly painted on the door and contents of the ark thrown to the ground. The name of the German heavy metal band Rammstein was also painted on the floor as well as devil worship signs. This was not the first time that vandals had desecrated the 100-year-old synagogue.
 
The ADL Israel office issued the following statement:

The vandalism and desecration is the work of warped minds that pervert the true values of democracy and Judaism. This anti-Semitic attack is particularly repugnant since it occurred just a week after we marked Holocaust Memorial Day.

Such horrific deeds and expressions of opinions are totally unacceptable in our midst, and this phenomenon must be uprooted. The ADL has confidence the police will thoroughly investigate the attack and apprehend and punish the perpetrators this time.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.