‘Hate has no place in San Francisco’: Local leaders blast recent wave of antisemitism attacks

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Jewish leaders in San Francisco were joined on Friday by Mayor Daniel Lurie, other political leaders, law enforcement and community members to call out an increase of hate and violence targeting Jewish people — both across the nation and in San Francisco.

“We must all come together to stand with the Jewish community to condemn antisemitism,” said Mayor Lurie. “The bottom line is, hate has no place in San Francisco. We are not going to stand for it.”

Just this June alone, a group spewing anti-Jewish hate attacked a man in San Francisco’s Marina District, and Manny’s in the Mission District was subjected to vandals who broke into the building and scrawled anti-Jewish hate messages across the walls.

“I’m not the only Jew throughout history who’s had messages on their walls, saying ‘you don’t belong here,’ said Manny Yekutiel, owner of Manny’s. “But there is a dark tide of antisemitism that is covering our country, and its shadow has reached our city. San Francisco cannot allow this to happen. We have to stand against it, because it is in our blood to be a city that welcomes everyone.”

Those at the rally said the anti-Jewish hate is coming from both conservatives and liberals.

“It has to end, and Jews need to stand up and be proud and not hide, and our allies need to stand up and say that is not acceptable,” said California Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco).

The Anti-Defamation League reports antisemitic incidents have been steadily increasing across the U.S. over the last 10 years. As for why, many point the finger at political and military decisions made by the state of Israel, but local Jewish leaders say that’s hardly justification for antisemitic behavior at home.

“Every Jew has a different opinion about what’s happening over there and their level of connection to it,” said Ty Gregory of Jewish Community Relations Council. “It’s never okay for someone to be held responsible for what’s happening overseas.”

Watch the full report from KRON4’s Dan Kerman in the above video player.