The Menorah overlooking the Maine State Ferry Service in Rockland was vandalized Tuesday night. Photo courtesy of Adas Yoshuron Synagogue
ROCKLAND — The menorah erected on Main Street overlooking the Maine State Ferry Terminal was vandalized Tuesday night.
Rockland police said that the menorah was unbolted and knocked down, breaking some of the lightbulbs broken. The incident was discovered and reported Wednesday. There have been no arrests and the case remains under investigation, Rockland police said.
The menorah was re-installed after it was vandalized. Photo by Stephen Betts
Rockland Main Street conducted a fundraiser to buy the menorah, which has been reinstalled.
David Gogel, executive director of Rockland Main Street, and David Statman, board president of Adas Yoshuron Synagogue in Rockland, issued a joint statement Thursday.
“For millennia, Hanukkah has been a celebration of religious freedom. The Hanukkah menorah provides the light that shines on that religious freedom. In the United States, we are proud that we have the freedom to share that light with the communities in which we live,” the statement said. “We are saddened that a small minority of community members have taken an action that stands in stark contrast with Rockland’s mission to be a welcoming and inclusive community.
“Our hope is that the greater Rockland community and the people of Midcoast Maine strongly condemn these acts and celebrate the religious diversity and tolerance we value in this country. This time of year should be about celebration and the recognition of the traditions that bring us together. We will continue to advocate for all traditions that are meaningful to our community and add to the vibrancy of the place we call home.”
The ceremonial lighting of the Menorah is scheduled for 6 p.m. next Thursday.
Rockland has been plagued during the past several months by vandalism attributed to juveniles. There is no determination whether juveniles committed this act. The vandals in the menorah toppling had to unbolt the menorah, police noted.
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