(TRENTON) – Speaker Craig J. Coughlin issued the following statement on the anti-Semitic graffiti defacing Oheb Shalom Synagogue:

“This kind of behavior is not only an attack on a religious community, but an assault on the values of respect, kindness, and tolerance that we hold close here in New Jersey.

“The fact that this incident occurred while students were attending school makes it even more egregious. No one, anywhere, should ever face hate or intimidation because of their faith or their identity, especially in places where they come to learn, grow, and feel safe.

“We cannot let intolerance take root here. I encourage everyone in New Jersey to reject hate and division, embracing instead understanding, peace, and unity.”