Franklin Square has witnessed incidents of vandalism in recent days. While businesses on and around Hempstead Turnpike have endured some vandalism, some of the community's places of worship have not been exempt from the incidents.

New York State Assemblyman Tom Alfano, whose office is located on Hempstead Turnpike in Franklin Square, called the incidents "a tragedy that tears at the fabric of the community."

The Franklin Square Jewish Center, located on Pacific Avenue, has been the target of anti-semitic vandalism where graffiti phrasings were written on shul property.

"We're tired of desecration. We're tired of vandalism and our property being damaged," said Eli Soblick, a member of the Jewish Center.

Community members also point to St. Catherine of Sienna Church, located at 995 Lutz Street in Franklin Square, where vandalism has recently spread. "As a community, we have to stand up and say to those who are committing these acts that it won't be tolerated and when you are caught, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Alfano said.

The assemblyman pointed to a recently passed Hate Crimes Bill, which addresses crimes of hate. "The message has to be sent that our communities will not stand by and let racist, anti-semitic people intimidate others from worshiping and taking part in religious service," Alfano said.

President of the Franklin Square Jewish Center Jules Rabin said the center has asked neighbors to be on the lookout. Alfano said that when perpetrators are caught, he will lobby hard to see that individuals make restitution to the church and synagogue for damages.

Rubin said the Jewish Center has endured incidents of graffiti with the last one coming approximately two weeks ago. He hopes surveillance and prosecuting those who are caught may be the proper steps in combating the problem. "It's hard to figure out why they're doing it," Rubin said. "You have to let them know it doesn't pay."

Rubin said that those who vandalize the Jewish center are taking the risk of getting caught each time they do it. "The police and the neighbors have been notified. If they see any unusual activity or loitering, they just call the police," he said. "It's an expensive thing every time somebody does it. But, the most important thing is that we don't know how far they will go if you let them do whatever they want. We don't think it's a childish prank anymore. It shows a definite understanding of what disturbs the Jewish people."