Anti-Semitism has now reared its ugly head on the University of California Hastings campus in San Francisco.
A student returned to his dormitory room at midday Monday to discover that the mezuzah on his doorpost was defaced — actually, it appeared to have been BURNED.
The student noticed soot on the bottom of the mezuzah case, and it appeared to have melted. A mezuzah is a small scroll of parchment upon which are written passages from the holy Torah. It is considered a protection for those who live within the home.
Officials say they believe the anti-Semitic attack may have taken place the day before, on Sunday during the Jewish holiday of Purim.
Jacob Erez, vice president of the Jewish Law Students Association told the SFGate website that he found the event “disturbing.” He compared it to the wave of bomb threats that has struck Jewish Community Centers, Jewish day schools, Jewish museums and other Jewish institutions across the United States since January 1.
San Francisco police are investigating the incident as a possible anti-Semitic hate crime, officials said.
UC Hastings Chancellor David Faigman sent out a letter to students, faculty and staff Wednesday, condemning “what appears to be a cowardly act of anti-Semitism.
“I am deeply troubled by the possible implications of such an act on our campus,” Faigman wrote. “We will not tolerate hateful actions of any sort against members of our community. UC Hastings is dedicated to the principals of diversity and inclusion.”
