Nazi images, including a swastika, were discovered Saturday morning spray-painted on a structure that is part of a synagogue in Indiana, CNN reported Sunday.
The swastika and two iron crosses were found on a brick wall surrounding the dumpster outside Congregation Shaarey Tefilla in Carmel, just north of Indianapolis.
The synagogue has not been attacked before and has not received threats or harassing calls, said Lindsay Shipps, the synagogue's media representative told CNN.
Shabbat services were conducted unimpeded.
"We have focused on working with the Carmel police, communicating to our congregation, and working with the Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council and Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis to communicate to other congregations and other Jewish agencies to ensure that they are aware of the event and can take appropriate measures," the synagogue said on Facebook.
Rabbi Benjamin Sendrow told CNN: "We are deeply disappointed in the horrific vandalism that occurred at our congregation. Intolerance, hatred and violent acts against Jews are significant realities today. The response to this heinous act affirms that America is collectively outraged at these hateful acts in our neighborhoods."
Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard condemned the incident in a statement and said police are investigating.
"There is no place for this kind of hatred in Carmel and it does not reflect the respectful and welcoming nature of the vast majority of our residents, who come from many different cultural and faith backgrounds," Brainard said.
Debby Barton Grant, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, shared photos of the vandalism on her Facebook page.
"I'm disgusted and furious tonight that this has happened and that my beautiful State of Indiana is one of only five states in the country that lacks a hate crime statute," she wrote.
Education and Diaspora Affairs Minister Naftali Bennett wrote on his Twitter page: "Sending my support to the Jewish community in Carmel. … We are united in condemnation of this abhorrent attack."
