Police investigate swastika painted on Jewish temple

By Brent Begin, Bay City News Service

April 2, 2007

SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) - Members of Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco were shocked to find a swastika painted on their temple this morning as they prepared to observe the first night of Passover.

Police were called to the temple, located at the intersection of Lake Street and Arguello Boulevard, at about 8:30 a.m. Investigators are now looking into the possible hate crime.

Mayor Gavin Newsom was quick to condemn the defacement of the city's largest Jewish temple.

"San Francisco is known as a city that embraces people of all faiths," Newsom said in a statement. "We strongly condemn this act of hatred and intolerance."

Tonight is the First Seder of Passover, and the offices of Temple Emanu-El are currently closed until Wednesday morning following the Second Seder.

Copyright © 2007 by Bay City News, Inc. -- Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.

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