MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A group of neighborhood watchmen discovered a synagogue in northeast Miami-Dade County had been vandalized early Monday morning.
Congregation Torah V'Emunah located at Northeast 175th Street had two symbols that resemble swastikas and the word "Hamas" spray-painted in red.Â
[READ: Greater Miami Jewish Federation condemns Miami-area anti-Semitic, anti-Israel actions]
"It is a very sad day, for this to have taken place in this community," said Rabbi Yerusham Bensinger.
Miami-Dade police are investigating the crime.
The vandalism comes after a family in Miami Beach had two of their vehicles vandalized over the weekend with eggs, and the words 'Hamas' and 'Jew' written on one of the vehicles with cream cheese.
Given the continued unrest in the Middle East, some feel uneasy knowing that something like this can happen so close to home.
"Honestly, it makes you question if you are safe walking around in your yamaka," said watchman Joshua Rosenberg. "How safe are you here in America?"
Miami Beach police labeled this weekend's vandalism a hate crime, while the synagogue incident has been called an act of criminal mischief.
Click here to read the definition of a hate crime according to Florida's statute.
Click here to read the definition of criminal mischief according to Florida's statue.