The video from LAPD
Police are requesting the public’s help in identifying the perpetrator of synagogue vandalism.
On November 13, someone spraypainted a devil on the back wall of Congregation Beth Israel at 8056 Beverly Blvd. in the Fairfax district. The vandalism was captured on video, and police believe a citizen will be able to identify the perpetrator.
“We have exhausted all means in the investigation,” said Detective Ronald Case. “I believe someone will know who this is,” he said.
Anyone with information about this crime is urged to contact LAPD Wilshire Division, (213) 922-8228.
The City Council, at Councilman Jack Weiss’ urging, offered a $20,000 reward.
“Repeatedly vandalizing a Jewish house of worship sends a message of hate to the entire Jewish community,” said Anti-Defamation League Regional Director Amanda Susskind. “We are proud to have elected leaders and law enforcement who so willingly and promptly denounce these message crimes.”
Susskind expressed particular concern in the wake of the recent spate of hate crimes in the San Fernando Valley, which included anti-Semitic graffiti and vandalism attacks in Tarzana in January and incendiary devices launched at the Bernard Milken Jewish Community Campus and a private home in West Hills in February.
A brutal attack against an Orthodox man in North Hollywood in April prompted the LA City Council, led by Council Member Wendy Greuel, and ADL to offer a combined $30,000 reward for information leading to the identification, apprehension, and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the attack.
The most recent Hate Crimes Report released by the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations for 2006 shows that Jews continue to be the most frequently targeted religious group, now accounting for 71 percent of religious-based hate crimes.
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