WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. - Security footage reveals evidence of the man who vandalized the Hebrew Discovery Center in Woodland Hills.
The Los Angeles Police Department is currently investigating the case as a hate crime.
Rabbi Nathan Louie says although no physical violence took place, the incident still hurts.
“On an emotional level, everybody feels violated. This is our safe space. A place of worship where you come to connect to God, and be peaceful, with God, yourself, and others. And to see such an act done to such a holy place is horrifying,” Rabbi Louie said.
This isn’t the first time the Jewish synagogue has been targeted.
Several years ago a man walked into the temple shouting that he intended to, “kill the Jews.”
That’s why Rabbi Louie does not yet want to repair the damages. He hopes the evidence will remind the community of the urgent need to stand together in love. Rabbi Louie even ordered a sign to display near the site of vandalism, which reads: “Stop hatred.. You shall love your fellow as yourself.”
“We need to educate people. We need to create more awareness. We need people to ask the question, 'Why? Why is this happening?' And by getting rid of the damage quickly, that’s not going to happen. So we decided we were going to let the damage stay on our facility for some time,” Rabbi Louie explained.
Just down the block, Fabienne manages an animal adoption center, and she believes neighbors need to look out for one another in times like these.
“I think in order to keep the community safe, we need to support one another, and have the ability to protect our buildings,” she said.
The Hebrew Discovery Center has been serving the Woodland Hills community for 20 years now, and Rabbi Louie hopes the interfaith community can stand together to unite against the rise of hate crimes.
“We would be happy to connect with other faith-based establishments to support one another and learn from each other,” Rabbi Louie said.
And that starts with making sure his community of worshippers, simply feel safe.
To donate funds to help support the temple repair damages, visit: