Hy Rabinovitz, the President of Kesser Israel Synagogue, found his place of worship torn apart. Thieves ripped up baseboard heaters and piping, in search of all the copper they could get their hands on.
The vandals ripped up everything from the floor to ceiling, causing about $30,000 in damage. Their boiler room was filled with five feet of water when the the vandals broke the main water pipe. Everything was submerged, even an electrical switch.
Vandals have been targeting vacant houses for copper piping and wiring, but lately they seem to be more brazen. Thieves may be taking new risks because copper can be turned into cash. The price has gone from less than $1 a pound in 2003 to more than $3 in 2007.
(Source: CBS3 Springfield)
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One Response
This is a tragedy indeed. I know the schul well. It’s a fine example of 1920’s synagogue architecture. But, let’s keep perspective. The schul has been closed since October pursuant to a merger of the three local Orthodox schuls. Kesser members have been davening down the street at the Kodimoh building.