Chabad synagogue in Oakland vandalized twice in one month
OAKLAND, Calif. — Two acts of vandalism have occurred at a Chabad synagogue in Oakland within the last month, prompting concerns within the Jewish community. Rabbi Dovid Labkowski of the Chabad Jewish Center in Oakland has raised the alarm about the need for increased protection against antisemitic attacks.
The synagogue, located on Lakeshore Avenue, fell victim to vandalism twice in quick succession, with the latest incident taking place just after midnight on a Saturday. Rabbi Labkowski detailed the damage caused by these acts, emphasizing the significant financial cost of repairs and the emotional toll on the community.
Despite having surveillance footage of both incidents, the rabbi expressed frustration with the response from law enforcement, stating that the police had not taken immediate action to address the situation. He highlighted the rise in antisemitism and stressed the urgent need for a thorough investigation into these acts of vandalism, treating them as hate crimes rather than mere acts of property damage.
Efforts to enhance security measures at the synagogue, such as installing bullet-resistant windows and employing armed security personnel during services, have not been sufficient to deter these targeted attacks. Rabbi Labkowski has called for more proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the Jewish community in Oakland, emphasizing the vulnerability of minority groups to such acts of violence and discrimination.
The lack of progress in apprehending those responsible for previous antisemitic incidents, including the destruction of the Lake Merritt Menorah in December, has fueled feelings of helplessness and frustration among the affected community members. Calls for stronger enforcement of laws and heightened vigilance against hate crimes have intensified in the wake of these repeated acts of vandalism.
As Rabbi Labkowski seeks to engage with local authorities, including the hate crimes division, to address these ongoing challenges, the Jewish community in Oakland remains on edge, grappling with the impact of antisemitism on their daily lives. The need for solidarity, support, and concrete action to combat hatred and intolerance has never been more urgent in the face of these disturbing events.
