Police are searching for vandals who toppled and defaced the large outdoor menorah outside Nanuet Hebrew Center Thursday.

The act of vandalism was discovered by members of the synagogue?s building committee the morning after a Hanukkah party.

The damage is estimated at $1,000, and temple members are not optimistic the menorah can be repaired. They say the timing of the incident could not have been worse.

?When Hanukkah and Christmas and Kwanzaa all happen around the same time, everyone can celebrate and everyone can share in a time of happiness,? says Nanuet Hebrew Center President Rita Fogelman. ?I guess there was at least one person who didn't feel the same way this year.?

Investigators say the incident was not a hate crime, but rather a random act of violence. Regardless of the culprits? motives, local residents were shocked by the vandalism.

?You would hope in today's day and age, people would do things that bring happiness to the season,? says Fayne Frey, of New City. ?It's a holiday of miracles and lights, and people shouldn't do things that are harmful and hurtful.?

Rockland County Legislator Robert Jackson, who lives in Nanuet, has released a statement condemning the vandalism. He says he hopes the perpetrators are caught and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

For interviews about the menorah vandalized in Nanuet, go to your digital cable box and select iO Extra, Channel 612.