According to reports, a swastika was burned into a picnic table this week at a newly refurbished public park near Steamboat Springs High School. Rabbi Kolby Morris-Dahary of Har Mishpacha congregation in Steamboat Springs, speaking on behalf of the community coalition STAND (Steamboat Team to disrupt Antisemitism and Discrimination), said:  

 “We are deeply hurt, saddened, and outraged at another antisemitic hate crime in our community…Let us come together to remember, be aware and vigilant, and collectively hold this behavior accountable. We remain hopeful that this hate will turn towards kindness, ignorance will turn to informed compassion, and Steamboat Springs can begin to experience redemption from discrimination in all forms.” Read the full statement here.  

Scott Levin, ADL Mountain States Regional Director, added: 

“In a time when we are seeing more and more bias incidents, including a sharp increase in the appearance of hateful graffiti such as swastikas, it is heartening that communities like Steamboat Springs and the STAND coalition are coming together to support Jewish and other marginalized communities. We must all work together to shine a light on hateful incidents in order to stem the tide.” 

Har Mishpacha is a member of ADL’s Kulanu initiative in which synagogues across the nation partner with ADL to respond to antisemitism in their communities. To learn more about Kulanu, visit https://www.adl.org/apply-kulanu. To report an antisemitic or bias-related incident, visit www.adl.org/report.