The Los Angeles Police Department has launched a hate crime investigation after anti-Semitic messages were spray painted onto a wall next to the historic Canter's Deli.
Officers responded to the iconic restaurant in the 400 block of North Fairfax Avenue at about 10:40 a.m. where messages like "Free Gaza," "How many dead in the name of greed?" and "Israel's only religion is capitalism" covered the black walls underneath a mural honoring the Jewish community.
In a statement posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, the Anti-Defamation League decried the vandalism and described the incident as "heinous."
"If anyone has information that will help ensure the people who committed this crime are brought to justice, please contact law enforcement," said Jeffrey Abrams, regional director of ADL Los Angeles.
Police have not arrested a suspect and a description of who investigators are searching for was not immediately available.
The graffiti was quickly covered up with black paint after police launched their investigation.
Anti-Semitic messages have popped up across the L.A. area as the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza intensifies. One message was spray-painted onto a Holocaust survivor's apartment building.
Last week, a man broke into a Jewish family's home while threatening to kill them. He shouted "Free Palestine and "brown people matter" during the terrifying early morning ordeal.
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