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Iowa Synagogue Defaced With Images Of Christian Crosses

WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) — Authorities are trying to find out who spray-painted two crosses and Christian messages on a synagogue in Waterloo.

The crosses and the words "Jesus saves" were found Tuesday night on the Sons of Jacob Synagogue. No arrests have been reported.

Synagogue leader Erin Maidan told Waterloo television station KWWL the vandalism could have been worse: "They could have painted swastikas on our building; they didn't."

Waterloo Police Chief Dan Trelka says the vandalism could be the work of juvenile delinquents. Maidan agrees but says it's offensive, nonetheless. She also says she views the defacement as a hate crime.

Maidan says leaders of other faith congregations in the area have offered to help remove the graffiti.

(© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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