Albany Mayor Condemns Surge in Anti-Israel Graffiti Attacks

URGENT UPDATE: Albany officials have just announced a crackdown on a disturbing rise in anti-Israel graffiti that has left the community on edge. Mayor Robin López labeled the recent incidents as “hateful and violent,” stating they compromise the safety of both Jewish and non-Jewish residents in the city of just over 19,000 people.

In a statement released Monday, López condemned the graffiti found around the University Village student-family housing complex, expressing that such acts will not be tolerated. “I unequivocally denounce this disgustingly vile attempt to normalize hate as an acceptable form of public expression,” he stated. Several instances of graffiti have been reported, including the shocking phrase “burn Israel down” scrawled on the facade of local businesses and public spaces.

Photos of the vandalism reveal alarming messages, with one appearing on a sign attached to a fence and another on a traffic pole. López noted that nearly a dozen similar tags have surfaced recently, prompting city staff to be put on alert for their removal. “The graffiti became so frequent that we had to mobilize our resources to address it swiftly,” he said.

The Jewish Parent Engagement Group, which advocates for Jewish families in Albany, described the graffiti as “troubling” and “hostile.” Coordinator Yafit Shriki Megidish highlighted that many Jewish families now feel unsafe and are reconsidering their public displays of identity due to these threats. “Our concern extends beyond vandalism; these messages signal a dangerous shift that fosters fear and division,” Megidish emphasized.

The surge in anti-Israel sentiment is not isolated. Since the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Hamas on October 7, 2023, graffiti targeting Jewish communities has escalated significantly. Megidish reported that violent messages, including calls to “kill all Zionists,” have alarmed community members, who have turned to advocacy groups for support.

In response to the rising concern, Megidish has urged local officials to issue statements condemning the acts, accelerate graffiti removal, and consider forming an antisemitism committee to address these issues. “People should be able to criticize a country without resorting to violence,” she asserted.

The Albany Police Department is currently investigating these incidents, although specific details about the number of occurrences remain unclear. Both the police and representatives from UC Berkeley have yet to provide comprehensive updates regarding their responses.

López acknowledged the limited impact of a statement but remains hopeful that swift action will demonstrate a community united against hate. “We will not be intimidated by fear and violence,” he declared, reaffirming the commitment to a diverse and inclusive community.

Residents who witness any form of hate speech are strongly encouraged to contact the Albany Police Department Dispatch Center at 510-525-7300.

As these developments unfold, the community is urged to remain vigilant and proactive in combating hate. The emotional toll on families and individuals impacted by these acts is significant, and local leaders are calling for solidarity in the face of this alarming trend.