UPDATE: Authorities have arrested Austin Smalls, a 29-year-old man, for the vandalism of a menorah built by a Holocaust survivor outside the Congregation B’nai Israel in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Smalls turned himself in on January 3, 2024, following a warrant issued by the Bridgeport Police Department.
The incident occurred around 3 a.m. on December 24, 2023. Surveillance footage allegedly shows Smalls arriving in a vehicle, then rocking the menorah back and forth until it toppled and shattered. This act of vandalism has shocked the local community, particularly as the menorah was a heartfelt creation by the grandfather of children who grew up at the synagogue.
In a poignant statement, Senior Rabbi Evan Schultz expressed the emotional toll of the incident, noting, “He built this menorah as a gift to the synagogue, crafted by his own two hands.” The destruction left the menorah in pieces, tangled in bushes, deepening the community’s grief.
Hours after the vandalism, police arrested Smalls for an unrelated incident several miles away, where he was driving the same vehicle and wearing the same clothing as seen during the vandalism. Police confirmed that the incident at the synagogue had not yet been reported at that time.
Smalls now faces charges of third-degree criminal mischief and disorderly conduct. A judge has mandated that he stay away from the Congregation B’nai Israel. He was released on a promise to appear and is scheduled for a hearing in Bridgeport Superior Court on February 10, 2024.
This incident underscores a troubling trend of hate crimes and vandalism against religious symbols, drawing widespread condemnation and calls for community solidarity. Local authorities urge vigilance and unity among residents to prevent future acts of destruction.
As the community processes this violation, the synagogue leadership has called for support and remembrance of the values that the menorah symbolizes. The legal proceedings against Smalls will be closely watched, reflecting the community’s commitment to justice.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
