"Hundreds Rally in Oakland After Menorah Vandalized in Possible Hate Crime"

Police in Oakland, California, are investigating a hate crime after a 9-foot-tall menorah was destroyed and thrown into a lake during Hanukkah. The vandalism occurred early Wednesday morning, and there are currently no suspects. The Chabad Jewish Center of Oakland inaugurated a new menorah in the same location. The incident has been condemned by local officials, including the mayor and the California Attorney General. The destruction of the menorah was accompanied by hateful graffiti. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has led to an increase in antisemitism and other hate incidents across the United States. Muslim groups have also condemned the vandalism.