News Summary
A man was filmed drawing a swastika outside El Rodeo Elementary School in Beverly Hills, coinciding with Rosh Hashanah. Authorities released surveillance images and the incident sparked investigations by the Beverly Hills Police Department and Santa Monica Police Department into similar antisemitic graffiti. The local community has taken creative steps to counteract the hate by turning swastikas into art projects. Civil rights organizations are concerned about the rise in antisemitism, leading to initiatives like California’s Golden State Plan aimed at enhancing security for Jewish communities.
Beverly Hills
Authorities have released surveillance images of a man who was seen drawing a swastika outside El Rodeo Elementary School in Beverly Hills. This incident was made public on Monday, coinciding with the first night of Rosh Hashanah, a significant Jewish High Holy Day.
The individual was captured on video walking along the sidewalk before crouching down to draw the offensive symbol on the walkway. While the surveillance footage has been made available to the public, officials have not specified the exact date when the graffiti incident occurred. However, the graffiti was promptly removed “immediately” after being discovered.
The Beverly Hills Unified School District reported the incident to the Beverly Hills Police Department, which is now conducting an investigation into the matter. In light of this incident, Superintendent Alex Cherniss emphasized that every student has the right to attend school in a safe environment, reiterating the district’s commitment to safety and transparency.
Ongoing Investigations and Community Reactions
In addition to the graffiti incident in Beverly Hills, the Santa Monica Police Department is also investigating multiple reports of antisemitic graffiti around the city, including similar symbols and messages found on sidewalks and light posts. The Police Chief has addressed the department’s determination to protect the safety and dignity of all community members.
Some families in response to the graffiti have taken creative measures, transforming swastikas into colorful art projects featuring drawings of flowers and butterflies, showcasing a message of peace and unity. This reflects a community effort to counteract hate with positive expressions of art.
Across the region, additional reports have surfaced related to antisemitic messages, including hate fliers distributed in Fresno, California, indicating a troubling rise in antisemitic expressions across Southern California.
Wider Context of Antisemitism
In recent months, similar antisemitic acts have been documented in various Southern California cities, including Beverly Hills, Brentwood, and Huntington Beach, raising alarms within civil rights circles and communities alike.
The public’s response has led to increased attention from civil rights advocates, including the Los Angeles Council on American-Islamic Relations, which has condemned the incident and echoed the sentiment that communities must stand against hate in all its forms.
As investigations continue, the community awaits further developments while emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe environment for all individuals, strengthening cooperative ties between law enforcement and citizens, and fostering an inclusive atmosphere devoid of hate.
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Additional Resources
- Patch: Antisemitic Graffiti Outside Beverly Hills School
- Los Angeles Times: Santa Monica Police Investigate Swastikas
- KTLA: Man Charged with Vandalism for Antisemitic Graffiti
- Wikipedia: Antisemitism
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Antisemitism
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
