Swastika Painted Brick Thrown at Chabad of Pensacola, Florida

By COLlive reporter

The Chabad Jewish Center of Pensacola, Florida, was attacked on Monday night when an individual threw a brick through a window of the center a little after 8:00 pm.

Individuals who were in the center at the time were shocked to hear a window shatter and see a painted brick hit the floor, which they discovered was covered in antisemitic and white supremacist language and swastikas.

The attack shook the two bochurim who are currently on Merkos Shlichus in Pensacola assisting the community, one of whom was standing in the spot where the brick landed only moments before it violently came through the window.

Surveillance footage captured an individual running from the Chabad Center.

Law-enforcement agencies have assigned a detective who is investigating the incident.

“Thank G-d, at this time, we are not aware of any safety threats on the Chabad facilities or its members, but we remain vigilant and aware,” Rabbi Danow said.

“Our community is shocked, but we are not intimidated,” said Rabbi Mendel Danow, Director of Chabad in Pensacola. “As the Rebbe taught us, the only response to darkness is light and the only answer to hatred is unity and love.”

“In the 5 years since Chabad was established here, we have only endured warmth, love and respect from the Pensacola community. This abhorrent act of senseless hatred will not be tolerated. We are thankful to the Law enforcement agencies and city personnel who are actively working to locate the perpetrator while assisting us in ensuring the safety and security of our community.”

“This troubling incident only underscores once more that while the work of spreading light and kindness is making strides, still much more needs to be done so that darkness is banished entirely,” said Rebbetzin Nechama Danow. “Coupled with all the appropriate precautions, we are forging forward in confidence to make sure our work will continue with only more vigor and determination.”

Following the frequent message of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, the foremost Jewish leader of the modern era, to counter hate with light, Rabbi Danow announced a Shabbos of light to take place this Friday, July the 20th at 6:30 pm at the Chabad Jewish Center.

Pensacola Mayor DC Reeves will be joining the congregants who will gather to light the Shabbos candles, to increase both the physical and spiritual light in the community. It will be followed by a short Shabbat service and a delicious Shabbos dinner.

“We invite all members of the Jewish community to join us, and to add a candle to light up the dark,” Rabbi Danow explained.

Chabad of Pensacola are working diligently to strengthen their security measures. If you would like to help increase the security at the Chabad Jewish Center, please visit chabadpensacola.com/donate to support the initiative, and write security in the comments.