The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today condemned the antisemitic neo-Nazi vandalism targeting a synagogue and church in a neighborhood in Ventura, California.
SEE: Swastikas, hate messages left at Ventura synagogue, church, park
On Sunday, Sept. 6, the Ventura Police Department (VPD) responded to a call about vandalism at both Temple Beth Torah and the neighboring Higher Vision Church. The perpetrator reportedly defaced the church building with Nazi swastikas and wrote multiple racial slurs and other antisemitic statements on the outside of the synagogue, including “Death to Jews” and “You Will Be Judged.”
Officers responding to the incident also found spray painting on the bathroom walls of the nearby Juanamaria Park that read, “They want to replace you,” apparently referring to the white supremacist great replacement theory. It is unclear whether the graffiti at the park is related to the vandalism at the synagogue and church.
The VPD reported that officers are investigating the incident, but no perpetrator has yet been identified.
In a statement, CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush said:
“Hate and bigotry against any group, regardless of faith or background, cannot go unchecked, and we strongly condemn this appalling display of antisemitism targeting Temple Beth Torah and Higher Vision Church. Our communities deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods—especially at their houses of worship—and this disturbing act only serves to spread fear and hatred.
“Those responsible must be identified and held to full account for their actions. We urge anyone with information to cooperate with law enforcement and call on the VPD to investigate the incident as a hate crime.”
To report any bias incidents, contact CAIR-LA’s Civil Rights Department at (714) 776-1177 (ext. 2) or click here to file a report.
CAIR-LA is Southern California’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851 or eelkadi@cair.com; CAIR-LA Senior Communications Coordinator Madi Hameed, mmorse-hameed@cair.com
