A swastika found drawn on an exterior wall of a synagogue is being investigated as a hate crime, Fremont Police Department officials said Tuesday.
Staff at Temple Beth Torah on Paseo Padre Parkway reported the four-inch graffiti on February 10.
"This is unacceptable and I have personally seen that this be made a high priority investigation for our department," said Chief Kimberly Petersen. "Fremont is a city that celebrates diversity, and this is not reflective of our collective values. Hate and bias motivated crimes will not be tolerated in our community."
Officers documented the graffiti, searched the area for evidence and are seeking any surveillance video that might be available.
Police said the vandalism is the city first reported hate crime in 2021.
The department documented five hate crime reports in 2020.
Congressman Ro Khanna reached out to the synagogue’s rabbi and offered a message of support to the community following the incident. The Tri-City Interfaith Council also offered support to the synagogue and condemned messages of hate.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please contact Detective Michael Gebhardt at Mgebhardt@fremont.gov or call 510-790-5954.
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