Williamsport Sun-Gazette publisher Bernard A. Oravec announced the posting of a $1,000 reward by the Sun-Gazette for information leading to the return of the Torah Scroll taken from the Congregation Ohev Sholom, 1501 Cherry Street sometime between late Thursday and Saturday morning.
"I am very saddened by the theft of the Torah Scroll. It is unacceptable for anyone to steal from or vandalize any place of worship in Williamsport. As publisher of the community newspaper, I feel that we must do something to show that this type of behavior toward any synagogue, church or mosque in our community will not be ignored," Oravec said.
Since news of the theft has spread, the synagogue's spiritual leader, Rabbi Shaul A. Rappeport, said Wednesday that he has received "many calls, cards and e-mails from people expressing their sorrow" for the loss of the scroll.
"People who don't even know me, but saw my picture in the paper, have stopped me on the street, with tears in their eyes," Rappeport said.
"It's very touching to see how many people in the community have responded. Community leaders, clergyman and many others have expressed their sorrow and have shown their distain at this evil act," Rappeport said.
He also was very grateful for the Sun-Gazette offering a reward for any information that leads to the recovery of the Torah Scroll, the most sacred article in the Jewish faith.
Oravec said he was hopeful others would help in the recovering of the scroll.
"I am inviting other community and business leaders to join the Sun-Gazette in working to recover this sacred text. While insurance covers the general loss, insurance can never cover the pain and anguish caused to members of Congregation Ohev Sholom. I would like to see the Torah Scroll returned," he said.
"I am convinced that together, with an offer of a reward, we can convince someone with knowledge of the whereabouts of the Torah Scroll to notify the local police or authorities. While it would be good to apprehend whoever committed this crime, I am more interested in the return of Torah Scroll in good condition," Oravec added.
City police Capt. Raymond O. Kontz III said Wednesday, "We're hoping someone out there will come forward with some new information to offer about the stolen item, maybe they have knowledge of where it is and who has it."
He said it is very rare in this region for reward money to be offered in criminal cases.
Rappeport said he is "remaining optimistic" that the scroll will be recovered. He said the synagogue is not concerned about who took it. "We will just be more than grateful to get it back," he said.
