Jewish leaders are concerned that a possible hate crime could mean danger for students at a St. Louis Park school. On Monday night, worshipers found a swastika outside Kenesseth Israel Synagogue as they arrived for evening prayers. Leaders think the hateful message may have come from someone upset about their support of Israel. Next week, students start classes at Torah Academy across the street. And that has leaders concerned.

Teachers at Torah continue to get ready for their first day of school. But this first day will be different than planned.

“We have things planned for Thursday — the first day of school — not because we’re expecting anything, (but) because that is our responsibility,” said Rabbi S. Binyomin Ginsberg, the dean of Torah Academy. “We have to make sure that students who come here are safe and secure.”

The precautions include undercover security, extra police patrols and locked doors. They’re also getting the word out to staff, students and parents. The higher security is also being prompted by recent tensions between Israel and Lebanon.

The misshapen swastika was not too large in size, but the implications carry considerably more weight. It’s concerning not only to those who worship at the synagogue, but also to those who work at and send their kids to this school just across the street.

St. Louis Park police are still investigating the matter. They say it does not appear to be the work of an organized group, but rather kids just acting out.? But they are taking the matter seriously and will continue to look into it.

WCCO