(LOS ANGELES, CA 7/17/2019) The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today condemned the vandalism committed July 14 at the Hebrew Discovery Center in Woodland Hills.
Vandals smeared the synagogue with white paint, according to the Jewish Journal. The individuals threw the paint over the entrance of the center and attempted to damage it further until passersby called police, Rabbi Nathan Louie told the Journal.
Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) called the act a hate crime.
“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 told the Journal. “I am urging local law enforcement and the FBI to increase their efforts to combat the targeting of places of worship, schools and the community centers in the San Fernando Valley.
CAIR-LA Executive DirectorHussam Ayloushsaid:
“Anti-Semitism, xenophobia and bigotry or any forms of hate are inexcusable. We continue to stand in solidarity with the Jewish and interfaith communities and all who are targeted by these incidents and the individuals who violate our nation’s long-standing principles of religious tolerance and inclusion.
The American Jewish Committee Los Angeles also condemned the incident, calling it “yet another act of anti-Semitic vandalism in our own backyard” in a July 16 Facebook post.
Louie estimated damages to be around $10,000, according to the Journal. No suspects had been detained.
CAIR-LA is Southern California’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice and empower American Muslims.
CONTACT:CAIR-LA Communications Manager Eugene W. Fields, 714-776-1847 orefields@cair.com
