Local Leaders React To Beverly Hills Vandalized Menorah

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — Community leaders and a resident affected by Sunday's antisemitic vandalism condemned the act and affirmed the strength of Beverly Hills' Jewish residents.

Eric Brian King, of Dallas, Texas, was taken into police custody and charged with felony vandalism and a hate crime after police say he threw items at a residents' menorah display and carved a Nazi symbol into its base, according to the Beverly Hills Police Department.

"It was really disgusting," resident of the affected home Nicole Newman told CBS Los Angeles. "As horrible as this was, I will say I feel very supported by my friends, family, by my city — and for that I'm very grateful."

The menorah was vandalized around 8 p.m. Sunday, the first night of Hanukkah, and partially picked up by surveillance cameras, police said. Mayor Lili Bosse immediately gave Newman her word there would be justice, she told CBS LA.

Many community leaders have since spoken out about the crime.

"It is unfortunate that we as Jews can’t even have a peaceful display of our religion without being targeted in this disturbing wave of recent antisemitism locally and globally. We will not let this act, or any act of hate, deter us from celebrating the wonder of Hanukkah and the joy of being Jewish," Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles CEO Rabbi Noah Farkas said in a statement. "We will continue to live with pride and will never allow an incident like this to diminish our spirit.”

California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis said the was "horrified" by the crime.

"Horrified to hear of another hateful act of antisemitism, especially during the celebration of Hanukkah. Standing in solidarity with the Jewish Community and against these hateful acts," Kounalakis wrote in a Tweet.

Beverly Hills residents on Monday celebrated Hanukkah with a menorah lighting ceremony at Beverly Hardens Park. Though the celebration was planned independently of the crime, Beverly Hills Mayor Lili Bosse said the celebration displayed residents' strength and persistence.

"Tonight, we came together as a community for our Menorah Lighting Celebration — let’s never forget how important it is that light overcomes all darkness and that we will continue to stand strong together as we celebrate the holidays," Bosse said in a tweet.