Antisemitic act in Folsom is a reminder that hate cannot find a home in Sacramento region
Once again the Sacramento region’s Jewish community is reeling from a dreadful act of antisemitism, this time in Folsom, close to home for many of us. Swastikas, obscene images, and hateful messages including “Heil Hitler” were spray-painted on garage doors and vehicles in a typically quiet neighborhood where members of our community reside, reminding us that antisemitism is literally at our doorstep.
Sadly, incidents like these are not new. It was only a few months ago that our community spent weeks on edge after a series of fliers emblazoned with swastikas and antisemitic and homophobic messages were left at various locations in Carmichael, and just weeks ago we watched in horror as hostages were held at gunpoint in a synagogue in Texas. Our region is no stranger to violence targeting Jewish people. One need only look to the 1999 firebombing of three local synagogues to be reminded that violent antisemitism can and does manifest itself here.
Events like these are on the rise all across America. The Anti-Defamation League reports that while hate crimes are increasing against numerous targeted groups in this country, hate crimes against Jews have seen the largest increase. While incidents of vandalism and hate speech may seem small compared to those that involve violence and threaten or take lives, downplaying these smaller acts only serves to normalize the rhetoric and paves the way for those with more violent intent to take action.
It’s critical that we speak out against hatred, no matter how “small” an act of hate may appear. We cannot simply attribute acts of vandalism such as spray-painting hateful words on garage doors to mischievous teenagers and move on without accountability or the recognition that our communities will not tolerate this behavior.
For our part, the Jewish Federation of the Sacramento Region and the Jewish Community Relations Council are standing up and speaking out. We appreciate the support of partners, as well as local, state, and federal law enforcement in our region, as we work to rid our community of all forms of hatred. We deeply value the relationships we’ve formed with other organizations in our larger community who share our aim of making Sacramento a safe, welcoming place for all people, no matter their race, heritage or ethnic background.
We look forward to welcoming the entire community to our virtual Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah) event on Sunday, May 1. Holocaust Remembrance Day puts into stark view the damage that antisemitism can cause. The Holocaust did not begin with gas chambers, but with words — Nazi propaganda urging people to hate Jews.
Yom HaShoah serves as a valuable reminder of why this fight is so critical. This year’s event will feature renowned rabbi, author, and Holocaust scholar Dr. Michael Berenbaum, who will speak on contemporary antisemitism through the lens of the Holocaust, a topic that unfortunately becomes even more timely given this latest incident. We hope all who stand with us against hatred will join us for this important opportunity to learn and remember.
The fight against antisemitism and hate in all its forms will not be won alone. The bigotry and racism that leads people to engage in acts of vandalism or violence are deeply rooted and difficult to eliminate. However, we know there is strength in numbers, and we know there are countless institutions, organizations, and people in this community who stand with us in solidarity. To those people and all others who believe hatred has no place here, we say stand up, speak up, and do not let hate find a home in Sacramento.