San Francisco’s Jewish community faces a shocking wave of antisemitic vandalism, as pro-Palestinian protesters target Jewish-owned businesses and student centers.
At a Glance
- Manny’s, a Jewish-owned restaurant in San Francisco, was vandalized with antisemitic graffiti during a pro-Palestine protest
- San Francisco Hillel house, a Jewish student center, was defaced with threatening Islamist graffiti
- Over fifty structures in San Francisco were vandalized with pro-Hamas and anti-Israel graffiti following protests
- The incidents coincided with the one-year anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel
- Local officials and community leaders have strongly condemned these acts of antisemitism
Targeted Attacks on Jewish Establishments
In a disturbing escalation of antisemitic incidents, San Francisco has witnessed a series of targeted attacks on Jewish-owned businesses and community centers. Manny’s, a restaurant in the Mission District known for fostering civic and political engagement, fell victim to vandalism during a pro-Palestinian protest. This attack, occurring on the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, underscores the growing tensions and blatant antisemitism plaguing the city.
Trevor Chandler, a candidate for the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, didn’t mince words about the nature of this attack. He stated, “This afternoon, masked cowards vandalized Manny’s with antisemitic graffiti. Let’s be clear: Manny’s was targeted because he is Jewish. No disagreement over foreign policy excuses this reprehensible behavior. Every person running in D9 and citywide needs to condemn this.”
Hillel House Targeted: A Direct Threat to Jewish Students
The vandalism of San Francisco’s Hillel House, a crucial support center for Jewish students at San Francisco State University, marks a dangerous escalation in campus-related antisemitism. The graffiti, which referenced “Khaybar,” a historical term associated with violence against Jews, sends a chilling message to the Jewish student community. This act of hate directly targets a center of Jewish religious and cultural life, aiming to intimidate and isolate Jewish students.
The attack on Hillel House is particularly concerning given San Francisco State University’s history of anti-Israel activism. Recently, the university’s boycott of certain arms manufacturers may violate state law, further complicating the atmosphere for Jewish students on campus. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Jewish students in environments where anti-Israel sentiment often crosses the line into overt antisemitism.
Last night, the @SFHillel House, a block from the @SFSU campus, was vandalized with antisemitic graffiti, and the perpetrators attempted to break in.
The graffiti referenced 'Khaybar,' a historic region in 7th-century Arabia where a battle between Muslims and Jews resulted in… pic.twitter.com/pWFGAegPv4
— JCRC Bay Area (@SFJCRC) December 9, 2024
Widespread Vandalism and Community Response
The antisemitic vandalism in San Francisco wasn’t limited to individual establishments. Following pro-Palestinian protests, over fifty structures across the city were defaced with pro-Hamas and anti-Israel graffiti. This widespread vandalism included the name of Hamas spokesperson Abu Obaida and phrases like “death to Israel,” demonstrating a coordinated effort to spread fear throughout the community.
The Bay Area Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) strongly condemned these acts, emphasizing that such rhetoric goes beyond political protest and into the realm of promoting violence and antisemitism. The JCRC’s statement serves as a crucial reminder that criticism of Israeli policies must not devolve into attacks on Jewish people or calls for Israel’s destruction.
@sfchronicle & @D4VIDHernandez – Titling this article “Jewish-owned business tagged with graffiti during S.F. rally for Palestinians” shows how little you care about antisemitism and Palestinian human rights. Targeting a Jewish-owned business with graffiti calling for 90% of Jews… https://t.co/nG8WCea5t6
— JIMENA (@JIMENA_Voice) October 8, 2024
Political Tensions and the Need for Balanced Dialogue
The timing of these incidents, coinciding with protests against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s US visit, highlights the complex interplay between international politics and local community relations. While groups like the Palestinian Youth Movement and US Palestinian Community Network organized demonstrations to voice their opposition to Israeli policies, it’s crucial to distinguish between legitimate political protest and acts that target individuals or communities based on their religious or ethnic identity.
A Call for Unity and Action
The recent wave of antisemitic incidents in San Francisco demands a unified and strong response from community leaders, law enforcement, and citizens alike. It’s imperative that these acts of hate are not only condemned but also thoroughly investigated and prosecuted. Educational institutions, particularly those with a history of anti-Israel activism, must take concrete steps to ensure the safety and well-being of their Jewish students.
