Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) condemned the recent vandalism of a synagogue in Woodland Hills.
The Hebrew Discovery Center was smeared with white paint on July 14; it is not yet known who the vandals were. Rabbi Nathan Louie told the Journal that he believed the damages will cost around $10,000.
Sherman called the vandalism “a hate crime” in a statement.
“We have seen an increase around the country in anti-Semitic incidents, and those responsible should be brought to justice and be fully prosecuted,” Sherman said. “I am urging local law enforcement and the FBI to increase their efforts to combat the targeting of places of worship, schools, and community centers in the San Fernando Valley.”
American Jewish Committee Los Angeles wrote in a July 16 Facebook post that the incident was “yet another act of anti-Semitic vandalism in our own backyard.”
Louie also told the Journal that the vandalism has caused the community to feel “violated” and the synagogue will be hiring an extra security guard in response to the vandalism.
UPDATE: AJC Los Angeles Acting Chief of Staff Dganit Abramoff said in a statement, “We condemn this vile act targeting a Jewish house of worship and school. In the wake of Pittsburgh and Poway, and in light of other recent acts of anti-Semitic vandalism in the Valley, we urge law enforcement authorities to prioritize their investigation into this incident. The trend of anti-Semitic vandalism, violence, and rhetoric continues to grow, threatening the values that we as a country hold dear. We must unite together with community partners, elected officials, and law enforcement to combat this scourge.”
