"Zero tolerance" SF leaders denounce recent acts of antisemitism

San Francisco officials condemned a series of antisemitic incidents, including vandalism at Jewish-owned cafe Manny's and a hate crime charge against Juan Diaz-Rivas for a violent attack on a Jewish woman. Mayor Daniel Lurie reaffirmed a zero-tolerance stance toward hate crimes, asserting that the city will actively pursue and arrest offenders. Tye Gregory, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council, noted a significant rise in antisemitism, with over 220 harassment incidents reported since the October 7 Hamas attacks. District Attorney Brooke Jenkins emphasized that the issue reflects local beliefs rather than international conflicts. The Bay Area Jewish Community Federation has documented over 40 threats against synagogues and community centers.

Reports indicate a 6. 2% increase in antisemitic incidents in California from 2023 to 2024, according to the Anti-Defamation League. A choropleth map illustrates that Indiana saw the highest increase at 140. 7%, while South Carolina experienced a decline. This trend raises concerns among Jewish leaders regarding the potential scapegoating of Jewish communities in national political discourse.