Graffiti at Davis Jewish organization investigated as hate crime

Davis police are investigating a second case of hate-related graffiti at a Jewish organization in the city.

The Hillel House, a prominent Jewish group, was the target of graffiti in late January. Authorities said a janitor found the words, “grout out the Jews,” etched into the wall near a toilet stall. The janitor immediately removed the graffiti.

Police believe the vandalism occurred between Jan. 22-23.

Davis police are investigating the incident as a hate crime. Hillel House officials said the janitor came forward with the story after hearing about a separate hate crime on Saturday, when the Jewish fraternity house Alpha Epsilon Pi was spray-painted with two swastikas.

Both the Hillel House and Alpha Epsilon Pi are across from the UC Davis campus. The incidents come at a time of deep division within the campus community.

On Jan. 29, the Associated Students of UC Davis approved a symbolic resolution asking the UC regents to divest from Israel. The action drew condemnation from Jewish circles on campus and across the nation.

This story was originally published February 5, 2015 at 10:48 AM.