03:31 PM CST on Wednesday, February 23, 2005

From 11 News Staff Reports

Detectives and leaders of Houston's Jewish community are asking for the public's help investigating a rash of recent hate crimes across Houston.

ADL

Swastikas were painted on the red balls over the Southwest Freeway.

Investigators say there have been 14 cases in the past five months involving anti-Semitic graffiti and telephone threats. Eight of them occurred in December.

The vandals targeted places of worship, The Jewish Community Center and even public benches and sidewalks.

Along with swastikas, the culprits painted the words "Juden Raus" or "Jews Out" in public areas.

They want to catch the culprits before the situation escalates and someone gets hurt.

"History has shown that sometimes these things elevate and we want to stop this early on and make sure it ends with graffiti," said Martin Cominsky with the Anti-Defamation League.

ADL

Along with swastikas, the culprits painted the words "Juden Raus" or "Jews Out" in public areas.

The ADL says it's especially concerned since there have been so many incidents in a short time period.

If you have any information about this crime call Crime Stoppers a 713-222-TIPS.

You don't have to give your name and you could be eligible for a $5,000 reward.