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Hate Crime Reported At Jewish Temple In Koreatown
(Courtesy of Wilshire Boulevard Temple)
LAPD detectives have opened a hate crime investigation into antisemitic graffiti that was reportedly spray-painted on a Jewish temple in Koreatown early Monday morning.
A photo captured by KTLA shows the words "I hate your race!!," written in cartoon-ish block letters on the side of the building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Investigators say surveillance video showed an unidentified man spray-painting the outside of the Wilshire Boulevard Temple at the corner of Wilshire and Hobart Boulevards around 2:30 a.m. Monday.
The temple issued a statement, expressing sadness that the act was done on a day meant to celebrate peace and unity:
"On this day when we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who chose courage over fear in the face of oppression, ignorance, and violence, we stand strong in our resolve and condemn this hateful act of antisemitic vandalism that defaced our historic sanctuary building. There is no place for hate in a civil society."
The department is asking anyone with information to call 877-LAPD-247.
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