ALAMEDA >> A synagogue in Alameda has been vandalized in what some worry could be a reaction to the violence in Charlottesville and its aftermath.
Two windows of a classroom of Temple Israel of Alameda on Bay Farm Island were broken sometime Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
The attack prompted a small vigil outside the synagogue on Thursday night. Another is planned for tonight at 7 p.m. before Shabbat services.
The vandalism came just hours after the board of directors of Temple Israel met on Wednesday, when it discussed the possibility that the synagogue could be targeted following the violence in Charlottesville, according to board President Genevieve Pastor-Cohen.
“It breaks my heart and soul to be exposed to this type of mindless and senseless action especially aimed at the community I (we) love,” Pastor-Cohen said in a Thursday message to the congregation.
Both Alameda police and Harbor Bay Security, which patrols the neighborhood, were contacted following the vandalism, she said.
Pastor-Cohen noted that a security plan has been in the works at the synagogue since February.
“With this current incident, we will re-examine it to ensure our community is protected and safe from harm especially with our High Holy Days coming upon us,” she said.
About 100 families attend Temple Israel, which is located at 3183 Mecartney Road. It will celebrate its centennial in 2020.
