Franklin police are investigating two incidents of vandalism as potential hate crimes. On Wednesday, police received a report of a vandalized sign at the Temple Etz Chaim on Washington Street. 

Someone splashed red paint on the “We Stand with Israel” sign at the temple. 

Red paint was also sprayed on a light and solar panel illuminating the temple’s sign and part of the panel was ripped from its mounting bracket. 

Vandalism at temple

For a place that shares the word of faith and love, it was difficult to talk about fear and concern after the act of vandalism at the only Jewish house of worship in town. 

“Balancing feelings of being disheartened and sad with real visceral anger that something like happened,” said Mike Rubin, president of Temple Etz Chaim. “It’s left some people feeling very vulnerable, very scared but also the community feeling violated.” 

Investigators think the vandalism happened between 8:30 p.m. Tuesday and 8 a.m. Wednesday. 

Then around the same time frame not too far away, there was another concerning discovery. 

Swastika painted on sidewalk

Oil is now covering a spot on the ground where police say someone spray painted a swastika on the sidewalk in front of a business on East Central Street. 

Investigators say right now it’s too soon to say if the two vandalisms are connected but that possibility is not being ruled out. 

“It’s hard to believe that something like that would be coincidental,” Rubin said. 

As police try to solve the potential hate crimes, the community won’t waver on their message of love. 

“Yielding to vandalism and yielding to the fact that somebody out there wants to cause you harm it’s not going to make us any closer to a better society,” said Rubin. “I’m hoping this gives us a more proactive way to really unite together rather than only coming together when times are tough.” 

Franklin police are asking anyone with information regarding these incidents or may have seen something during these times to contact them.