hate_graffitti.jpgMOUNT DORA, Fla. (AP) _ Central Florida residents of all religious backgrounds are pitching in to help a synagogue after vandals spray painted the building with hate words and symbols.

Members of the Traditional Congregation of Mount Dora were honoring the Sabbath and could not immediately begin the clean up Saturday so dozens unaffiliated with the church brought paint blasters and brushes to paint over the offensive words.

The synagogue had been under construction and is expected to reopen later this month.

The Mount Dora Police Department placed a large lighted sign in front of the synagogue seeking tips.