Recent vandalism targeting the Jewish community in Los Gatos has prompted local officials and community organizations to plan a series of activities for United Against Hate Week from Nov. 14-20.
Recent antisemitic grafitti in Los Gatos inspired a partnership between the Town of Los Gatos, Jewish Silicon Valley and others. Activities, including a community walk, will coincide with a national effort convened by Not In Our Town, a national anti-hate organization.
The Los Gatos Police Department received reports of swastika graffiti found in three Los Gatos locations during the Jewish High Holidays in September, targeting the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center, as well as Los Gatos Garden Apartments and Blossom Hill Pavilion, town officials stated in a press release. The hate symbols have been removed, and Los Gatos Police are investigating the incidents, which were also reported to the Anti-Defamation League and Secure Communities Network.
“There is no place in Los Gatos for hate motivated conduct of any kind,” Mayor Marico Sayoc said. “Everyone has the right to feel safe and welcome in our community.”
Town officials are also embarking on Diversity and Inclusion Training through the American Leadership Forum, while the Los Gatos Union School District is continuing its Equity and Inclusion Initiative.
“Sadly, these recent expressions of hate particularly target the Jewish community, but in effect they diminish us all,” Los Gatos Interfaith Clergy Group’s Convener, Rev. Ricardo Avila said. “We belong to each other, and hate against one affects us all.”
Lael Gray, CEO of Jewish Silicon Valley, said the organization is grateful for the partners organizing the upcoming activities.
“The sight of swastikas is painful for our local Holocaust survivors and others in the Jewish community, particularly in the midst of a growing national trend of increasing acts of hatred and violence towards Jewish people,” Gray said.
For information, visit unitedagainsthateweek.org.
