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Official Statement from Franklin Police:
On Wednesday, April 2, 2025 the Franklin Police Department was notified of avandalized sign at the Temple Etz Chaim located at 900 Washington Street. Red paint had been applied to a small “We Stand With Israel” yard sign. The red paint was also applied to a light and solar panel which illuminated the temple’s sign and the solar panel was partially torn from its mounting bracket. It is believed that this vandalism may have occurred between 8:30pm on Tuesday, April 1st and 8:00am on Wednesday, April 2nd.
On Wednesday, April 2nd the Franklin Police Department was also notified of a second vandalism incident located near the sidewalk of 43 East Central St. where a swastika symbol was spray painted on the ground in black spray paint. It is believed this occurred between 8:00pm on
Tuesday, April 1st to 6:00 am on Wednesday, April 2nd.
The Franklin Police Department is investigating both incidents. There is no evidence at this time to suggest that these incidents are related but that possibility is not being ruled out. The Franklin Police Department is asking anyone who may have any information regarding these incidents or may have seen something during these times to contact Detective Jack Flynn at 508-
440-2720 or jflynn@franklinma.gov.
Statement from Temple Etz Chaim Shared with Congregants
Sign at Franklin Etz-Chaim Temple Vandalized
Dear Community Members,
I'm writing to inform you of a concerning incident that occurred at our facility. Overnight, our "We Stand With Israel" sign at the street entrance was vandalized with red paint, and the illuminating light was damaged. The local police actually notified me this morning and are actively investigating the matter.
This act of vandalism is deeply troubling. When our shared spaces are targeted, it affects us all. Many in our community are feeling a sense of violation, uncertainty, and concern with the rise in anti-Semitism not only in our community but the broader world as a whole — these feelings are valid and understood.
In difficult moments like these, it remains essential that we recognize that we have strength together, even as fear and anger can consume us. Our strength has always been in our unity and mutual respect for one another, and the acknowledgement that we are a Temple community with power in community sometimes is all we have when cowardly, anonymous acts target us. On a more local level, we have been reviewing security measures, working closely with police, and even partnering with other congregations to improve our awareness. Unfortunately, there is little control we have on random acts perpetuated overnight by hate-mongers and the ignorant.
I welcome your thoughts and concerns during this time. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions or would like to discuss this further.
With respect and solidarity,
Dr. Michael Rubin, President
Statement of Franklin Freedom Team, Forwarded by Jamele Adams
To: Our Beloved Community
From: The Franklin Freedom Team
Date: 04/04/25
Re: Love and our Community
We learned of horrific deeds of hate done within our community and offer a response energized by love.
To whomever configured the symbol of hate near the gas station and whomever, less you be the same person/people, that vandalized our Temple Etz Chaim, we deplore the acts, reject any fears you may have desired from us and are fueled to bring more community together in discovery of these motifs of hate.
These acts do not break our energy, they do not deject our community, they do not make us quit on caring. No, these acts never break our love. And to whomever did these things, our love extends to you as well, for if you felt love these things would not have been done. We invite you in, anonymously or unveiled, to be In community with us. We will not attempt to “change you”, but allow you to know there is love for you. And if you continue down the path of negativity, the love will remain, but different, as we can’t allow for the destruction of our town, neighborhoods, families and friends. There is real pain and horror connected to these acts.
Franklin is a town fueled by love and people that are passionate about taking care of each other, no matter their origin. “Franklin love” is powerful, unrelenting and uniting.
These acts will never define who we are, nor our connection to each other. We commune in the face of them, embrace our presence in the face of them; while we protect each other, preserve peace and magnify our love.
ALWAYS WE. ALWAYS LOVE.
OUR Franklin Freedom Team.
