The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) said it is deeply troubled by reports of anti-Semitic graffiti found on a wall of a synagogue in Caracas, Venezuela.
The graffiti was allegedly sprayed painted at the AIV del Esde Sephardic synagogue before daily morning prayer services on December 30, included a swastika and the number six million with question marks.
‘'It is particularly shocking that the graffiti trivializes the memory of the six million Jews and millions of others who perished during the Holocaust. This heinous act - deeply offensive to Jews and other survivors - sends a chilling message to the Jewish community in Venezuela and is an affront to all in Venezuela who strive to live in harmony,’’ said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.
He added : ‘’Unfortunately, we have witnessed that anti-Semitic incidents occur far too often in Venezuela. Despicable acts of intimidation, like this one targeting Jews, contribute to an atmosphere of insecurity.’’
For him, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his government are responsible for the safety and well-being of Venezuela’s Jewish community.
‘’We respectfully urge the Venezuelan government to take decisive action against such manifestations of anti-Jewish hate and to make it clear to the Jewish community - and all Venezuelans - that anti-Semitism or any form of hate, bias and harassment towards minorities have no place in Venezuelan society and will not be tolerated.’’
An ADL poll in 100 countries found that 30 percent of Venezuelans surveyed harbor anti-Semitic attitudes.
The poll also found that 39 percent of the respondents have never heard of the Holocaust, and of those who have, 30 percent believe the numbers have been exaggerated.
Since 2006, ADL has been documenting the levels of anti-Semitism in Venezuela through a series of reports.