Supporters of the United Hebrew Temple in Benton have raised nearly $6,000 in under a week to repair damage the church sustained in recent acts of vandalism.
Dozens of people have donated to the online fundraising effort, which is sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Southern Illinois, Southeast Missouri and Western Kentucky.
The damage to the synagogue was first discovered the morning of Friday, Oct. 9. Damage included 10 stained-glass windows that were broken, prayerbooks and kippot (religious head coverings) thrown on the floor, and vandalism to the kitchen.
The congregation reports this was the third incident in less than a month. More than a week earlier, another reported break-in resulted in stolen electronic equipment. Two windows also were broken in a previous but recent incident.
Benton Police are investigating but have released no further information. To make a donation, visit tinyurl.com/bentontemple.
