Oakland, California relights menorah after alleged antisemitic vandalism
Hundreds gathered to replace Chabad Center menorah, which was dismantled and thrown into lake
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Hundreds of people gathered Wednesday to relight a replacement menorah after the first one was vandalized and its pieces dismantled and strewn about, prompting the Oakland Police Department to launch a hate crime investigation earlier in the day.
Police said in an email that the vandalism occurred by Lake Merritt just before 1:30 a.m. Wednesday. They provided no other details. Images showed only remnants of the tall menorah, with pieces scattered on a path around the lake and in the water. Hate speech was sprayed on nearby concrete.
OAKLAND MENORAH RIPPED APART AND THROWN INTO LAKE, THE LATEST IN STRING OF ANTISEMITIC INCIDENTS
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The vandalism comes as Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah, and tensions are high over the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel in Gaza. The menorah is a symbol of light used through the eight-day holiday.
The Oakland menorah display has been a Chabad Center tradition for 18 years. (Michael Bocchieri/Getty Images)
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao quickly condemned the vandalism as a vile act of antisemitism, as did Jewish and Palestinian American organizations calling for a cease-fire in Gaza.
"As Jews who support Palestinian liberation, we stand united with all progressive communities in opposition to antisemitism and in our commitment to a free Palestine," said the Bay Area chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace in a statement.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Arab Resource and Organizing Center, which has led protests and rallies in San Francisco on behalf of Palestinians, said on social media platform X that members were "deeply saddened and dismayed" by the vandalism.
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A steady stream of vehicles bearing smaller menorahs traveled Wednesday night to the site of the desecration, where a large new menorah was lit.