The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today decried the vandalism of a Colorado Springs synagogue, which was discovered this morning. The vandalism reportedly included swastikas and the words “Happy 4:20” painted on the synagogue’s walls, sign and doors.

April 20 is Adolf Hitler’s birthday.  Neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups have a history of staging events or carrying out hateful actions on or close to April 20.

Scott L. Levin, ADL Mountain States Regional Director, issued the following statement:

The Anti-Defamation League condemns in the strongest terms this anti-Semitic vandalism. Such hate has no place in Colorado and runs counter to our state’s values of inclusivity and respect. That this vandalism coincides with the anniversary of Hitler’s birthday is extremely troubling and sends a strong anti-Semitic message.

We call upon the Colorado Springs Police Department to investigate this matter as a bias-motivated crime.  We hope that the perpetrators will be found and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

We deplore these despicable and hateful acts that affect not only the Jewish community but also the community at large.  We call upon the good people of Colorado Springs to stand up and speak out loudly declaring that their community is no place for hate.