A hate crime investigation has been launched into the vandalism of a Chicago synagogue, CBS News reported Saturday. The front window of the Chicago Loop Synagogue was smashed by a vandal who affixed swastikas to the building's entrance, the report said. Chicago Police are investigating the case as a hate crime. The Chicago Tribune reported that the police had released surveillance video of the incident, in which the suspect, masked, is seen getting out of a dark-colored SUV, and placing the swastika stickers on the door. He is then seen taking a metal object and smashing the window. Chicago's Loop Synagogue, founded nearly 90 years ago, is one of the city's central synagogues. The American Jewish Committee denounced the incident. In a statement issued Saturday, AJC Chicago Director Amy Stoken said, "The Chicago Jewish community will not be intimidated by anti-Semitic attacks on a house of worship. The right of all religious groups to practice their faith without fear is a fundamental American value. Chicagoans must speak together clearly that the hatred behind this destructive behavior will never be accepted."
Chicago synagogue vandalized, case investigated as hate crime
"The Chicago Jewish community will not be intimidated by anti-Semitic attacks on a house of worship. The right of all religious groups to practice their faith without fear is a fundamental American value," American Jewish Committee official says.
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