Anti-Semitic Vandalism Spree at Indiana University; Mayor Lights Campus Hanukkah Menorah

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (CBS/AP) "Our synagogues have had stones thrown at them, our books are desecrated and we are still here lighting the menorah," Alex Groysman, president of Chabad House Jewish Student Center at Indiana University in Bloomington Ind., said at a lighting ceremony where Bloomington Mayor Mark Kruzan lit the center candle of a 9-foot menorah Sunday night.

Chabad House was one of the targets in a recent wave of anti-Jewish vandalism on and near the campus.

Since Nov. 23, six acts of vandalism aimed at the Jewish community have been reported to Indiana University and city police.

Rocks have been thrown through windows at two Jewish student centers near the IU campus and a church where a Jewish group meets, and Hebrew books were urinated on at IU's Wells Library. A rock was also thrown at a display case for a Jewish studies program and swastikas were drawn on a dry-erase board in a student dorm, The Herald-Times reported Monday.

"This is not Bloomington," Mayor Kruzan said at the ceremony. "This is not something that we have any room for in our community, and I cannot tell you how sorry I am."

Alex Groysman, president of the IU Jewish Student Center, compared recent events to the story of Hanukkah, which celebrates Jewish triumph over persecution by the Syrians and Greeks, the Indiana Daily Student reported.

"Stones were thrown at Jewish temples, and Jewish books were desecrated and a menorah was lit for eight days to commemorate the victory," Groysman said.

Rabbi Yehoshua Chincholker said at least 200 people attended the lighting ceremony, which was delayed to provide time to purchase a special menorah. Chincholker wanted to use the rock that broke the center's window in the display, and he said it was set on the base of the menorah.

In a news release university provost, Karen Hanson, said the school "will not tolerate intimidation at IU Bloomington, and we will take all appropriate measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all members of the community."

IU police have increased patrols in the area and have contacted the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice for help with their investigation, The Herald-Times said.

Hanukkah ended Wednesday night.