Rabbi: Anti-Semitic Incidents Appear Isolated

Local Jewish leaders have not noticed an increase in anti-Semitism in Pacific Palisades despite a few recent incidents  which have raised alarm.

An Anti-Defamation League report released this month shows anti-Semitic incidents nationwide decreased 19 percent last year, while California saw an even greater decrease. However, the report also highlighted a growing trend of epithets and vandalism against Jews in Los Angeles and surrounding counties.

November’s vehicle vandalism spree in Pacific Palisades was one incident listed in the report. A vehicle belonging to one Jewish victim was spray painted with swastikas and racial epithets, the report noted. There have been other incidents in recent years, including a swastika which was spray painted on the City National Bank at Swarthmore and Sunset.

One area of growing concern is Murphy Ranch. Neighbors say the compound has become a popular attraction for neo-Nazis due to online articles claiming it served as a home to Nazi sympathizers in the 1930s. Riviera resident Steve Bardack said there had been a dramatic increase in “taggers, vandals and neo-Nazis” during the last two years.

The Upper Riviera Homeowners Association has been working with law enforcement to increase patrols near the Rustic Canyon hiking destination. Residents have reported property damage and even assaults caused by the groups.

Rabbi Amy Bernstein of Kehillat Israel said they have not perceived any increase in anti-Semitic incidents. The issues that have occurred appear isolated and may not have directly targeted Jews, she said. For example, the vehicle vandalism included derogatory terms for various groups.

“The Palisades feels like an incredibly respectful place. We have really good relationships as rabbis here with other clergy in the area,” she said. “I actually feel like this is one of the really amazing examples of what it means to still live with a sense of neighborhood and community.”

Bernstein said they have increased their programming in the last couple of years and have more interfaith events than ever. She believes they have built relationships with other faiths based on trust and openness.

“I think there are tensions around Israel more than Judaism,” she said.

Rabbi Steven Reuben agreed he has not seen an increase in anti-Semitic incidents, although he believes some people hide their anti-Jewish feelings behind anti-Israel rhetoric.

Outside of the community, Bernstein said there is too much vitriol between not just religious groups but also between Republicans and Democrats. She believes everyone should try to find common ground on issues like feeding the poor and taking care of children.

“There’s so much polarization that I would love to have this be one model of how we can respectfully attach ourselves to values that are bigger than our own opinions,” she said.