Interfaith service held at desecrated temple

Web produced by Jennifer Matarese, Eyewitness NewsHACKENSACK, N.J. (WABC) -- A special interfaith service was held at a temple in New Jersey that was desecrated by vandals last week.

Religious and community leaders came together to rededicate Temple Beth El and rally against hate.

"I'm here because injustice to one is injustice to all," said Rev. Gregory Jackson, of Mt. Olive Baptist Church.

"We stand together with Temple Beth El to stand up against these acts of hate," said Rev. Donald Pitches, of the Bergen Co. Council of Churches, and a Presbyterian minister.

People of many religions prayed and stood in solidarity with the people of Temple Beth El, where outside, cowards scrawled swastikas and nasty messages on the first night of Hanukkah.

"I visited Poland, I saw the remnants of the Jewish community of Europe which was destroyed by Hitler, so to see swastikas on a building is very, very upsetting on a personal level," said Robert Schumeister, of Temple Beth El member.

So far, no one has been arrested, but police are trying to catch them.

"For this to be happening in this day and age, I hope it was pranks," said Mayor Jorge Menses, of the City of Hackensack.

On this final night of Hanukkah, where songs of peace were sung, this gathering had a counter message as all joined to light the menorah of many faiths.

"Too many people died, cried to say nothing," a member said.

"We want you to know, these candles, are calling you out," another member said.

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new jersey, vandalism, hanukkah, new jersey news, toni yates

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