Slurs Lead to New Synagogue Security

PARKLAND, FL — In near-pitch darkness, vandals just over a month ago painted swastikas on the walls of Chabad of Parkland’s school building.

Thanks to an outpouring of donations from the surrounding community, the night will no longer be a shield for anti-Semitism at this northern Broward synagogue.

Gifts of as much as $1,000 and as small as pocket change have flooded the Chabad of Parkland, and the money raised has allowed the synagogue to install floodlights on its grounds.

”It’s almost like a football stadium,” Rabbi Yosef Biston said. “If someone drives by at night, they’ll see if something’s going on.”

The lights are just step one of the synagogue’s plan to improve its security in the aftermath of the April 30 vandalism. Broward Sheriff’s deputies have yet to make an arrest in the hate crime.

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Investigators do not have the help of surveillance video in identifying a suspect because the synagogue had no security cameras monitoring the grounds.

That will change soon, Biston said. The congregation is currently pricing out the equipment. The synagogue also plans to erect a fence around its three acres, although the cost of that could reach $100,000.

In all, Chabad of Parkland has raised $10,000 thanks to donations from the high-profile (state Sen. Jeremy Ring made one of the bigger gifts) and the high-minded.

Local elementary schoolers raised a couple of hundred dollars and presented the donation to the synagogue.

”It was disgraceful what happened,” said Ring, who represents Parkland in Tallahassee. “The Bistons are wonderful people. They’re very important to Northwest Broward County. My support to them is unconditional.”

HELP SOUGHT

The attack on Chabad of Parkland was one of several anti-Semitic acts in South Florida in the past year. The FBI is working with local law enforcement, including BSO, to find those responsible.

The investigation into the Parkland of Chabad desecration remains open, and BSO is actively following all leads, said Alesia Russell, a spokeswoman for the office. BSO declined to reveal what tips its detectives have received, saying it could jeopardize the investigation.

Authorities are asking those with information to call Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477).

As for Biston, he feels good has already come out of the act. ”It’s heartwarming to see that people have such sympathy,” he said. “I explained to them that charity is the greatest commandment in the Torah. All the light that they shine with this kindness will dispel a lot of the darkness.”