In a disturbing act of antisemitism, the Chabad Center menorah at Lake Merritt Amphitheater in Oakland, California, was vandalized and thrown into the lake in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The incident prompted the Oakland Police Department to launch a hate crime investigation, as hate speech was also sprayed on nearby concrete.

The destruction of the menorah, which occurred just days into the celebration of Hanukkah, a significant holiday for Jewish people, has further heightened tensions amid the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel in Gaza. As the menorah represents the symbol of light throughout the eight-day holiday, the vile act of vandalism has sent shockwaves throughout the community.

At the scene of the desecration, the remnants of the dismantled menorah were scattered along the path surrounding the lake and in the water. Local authorities have not provided any additional details regarding the incident.

Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao wasted no time in condemning the vandalism as an act of antisemitism, stating her disgust with the vile act. Jewish and Palestinian American organizations joined in the condemnation, emphasizing their support for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Gaza while standing united against antisemitism.

Both the Bay Area chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace and the Arab Resource and Organizing Center expressed their deep sadness and dismay over the vandalism. The Arab Resource and Organizing Center, known for its advocacy in support of Muslim and Arab communities in the Bay Area, emphasized its commitment to peaceful coexistence and expressed solidarity with the Jewish community.

Despite the desecration, the community rallied together to restore the menorah's light. Throughout the day, hundreds of people gathered at the site, determined to symbolize unity and resilience. A steady stream of vehicles arrived, each bearing smaller menorahs, as a new large menorah was prepared to be lit in defiance of the hate crime.

Rabbi Dovid Labkowski, from the Chabad Center of Oakland, expressed his fear and anger, highlighting the contrasting image of Oakland as a diverse and peaceful place. The Chabad Center has been setting up the menorah at Lake Merritt for the past 18 years without incident. However, this year's celebration was marred by the disturbing act of vandalism.

The Chabad Center informed its members of the incident, reminding them of their strength in the face of hate. They acknowledged the tremendous hate shown by their enemies but assured their community that they are stronger.

This act of antisemitism is not the first to plague Oakland in recent months. In a separate incident, baristas at Farley's East, an Oakland coffee shop, were fired after blocking a Jewish woman from entering a restroom filled with antisemitic graffiti. The workers, however, claimed that they were scapegoated by the owner, asserting their opposition to antisemitism.

In response to the vandalism at Lake Merritt, the Chabad Center has launched a campaign to rebuild the menorah and install others throughout Oakland. The community remains resilient, refusing to let hatred prevail as they strive for unity and peace.