NEWS 1 CSC SS Esther Estelle's Mezuzot Theft Investigated New York (JTA) — Police have launched an investiga- tion following the theft of 50 mezuzot from students' doorways in Barnard Col- lege's Brook Hall dormitory. A mezuzah is a parchment containing two paragraphs of the Sh'ma and required by Jewish law to be affixed to every doorway in a Jewish home. The college president ha:, been praised for responding quickly to what police have called a bias crime. "There should be no doubt that this despicable act of vandalism is a criminal offense as well as a clear violation of the college's policy on racial, religious and ethnic harassment," said Barnard President Ellen Futter in a statement to the college community. After meeting with students to discuss their concerns, Ms. Futter express- ed her "personal revulsion" over the incident. The New York Police Department's bias unit and campus security office are conducting a full investiga- tion, reported Ms. Futter. Barnard has also stepped up security in the residence halls. It is not known whether the mezuzot were taken by students or visitors. "Securi- ty is very tight at Barnard, but the police have not ruled out any possibilities as to who (the perpetrator) would be," said Barnard spokesperson Beverly Solochek, who explained that all visitors to the dor- mitories must check in with a guard. The Anti-Defamation League praised the ad- ministration's quick re- sponse to the theft. "We're comfortable that the people at Barnard have taken swift action with the police and with students to make them understand the implications of this inci- dent," said ADL spokesper- son Myrna Shinbaum. Students have also re- sponded swiftly to the inci- dent. Some 100 Barnard students of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds signed a letter expressing solidarity with the Jewish students. Columbia student Tracie Beberman said students there were planning a fund- raiser to help replace the mezuzot, which can be fairly costly. The Columbia Jewish Center sells them for $28. Exciting Brilliant Diamonds The Finest Expression of Love 30% to 50 % OFF We've Done It Before We're Doing It Again SELECT FALL & WINTER MERCHANDISE One, Two or Three Rows of Diamonds Set In Luxurious 18K Yellow Gold Starting At previous sales excluded esther estelle's Orchard Mall 9825 Fine' Jewelers Established 1919 855.4717 MON.-SAT. 10-5 Phone 642-5575 30400 Telegraph Rd., Suite 134 Bingham Farms co 111-. Al) Gem/Diamond Specialist — Awarded Certificate By GIA In Grading •$ IT'S ALL YOU NEED TO CELEBRATE HOURS: Daily 10-5:30 Thurs. 10-7 Sat. 10-3 PRICES PALL FOR NOVEMBER AFFORDABLE SECURITY ENTIRE STOCK Now fully stocked for all holidays including Super Bowl *In-stock inventory only. Excluding special orders & services. 855-3636 $249 00 INSTALLED Low Monthly Monitoring Required 5 YEAR PARTS & LABOR WARRANTY American Protective Alarms, Inc. Has Been Protecting Homes Like Yours For Nearly A Quarter Century. 28946 Orchard Lake Rd. • Farmington Hills Our New Generation Of Home Securi- ty Is Designed For The Nineties And It's More Affordable Than Ever! Desserts .. By Since 1968 'CORPORATE GIFTS! Call Us. 24370 W. Ten Mile Rd., Just W. of Telegraph Certified Kosher Metropolitan Kashruth Council 355-0088 THE FINEST IN HOME SECURITY 864.8600 THE DETROIT JEWISH NEWS 55