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ALAMEDA — A synagogue in Alameda was vandalized this week in what some worry could be a reaction to the violence in Charlottesville and its aftermath.

Two classroom windows at Temple Israel of Alameda on Bay Farm Island were broken sometime Wednesday night or early Thursday morning, according to synagogue leaders.

The attack prompted a small vigil outside the synagogue on Thursday night. Another was planned for 7 p.m. Friday, before Shabbat services.

The vandalism came just hours after the board of directors of Temple Israel met on Wednesday and 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.

It was not immediately known if police were treating the vandalism as a possible hate crime.

The incident also came the same week that the city of Alameda posted a statement on its website, affirming its support for tolerance.

“Our city policies foster an atmosphere of inclusion and respect for all,” the statement said. “Alamedans cherish and respect freedom of speech and the wide range of viewpoints and opinions that make this community so unique. But we reject hate, violence, and bigotry. Instead, our community supports and empowers one another.”

On Friday, Assemblyman Rob Bonta (D-Oakland) and Assemblyman Marc Levine (D-Marin and Sonoma counties) issued a statement, describing the vandalism as “alarming.”

“We were deeply troubled to learn Temple Israel in Alameda was the target of vandalism yesterday,” the lawmakers said. “This is even more alarming with the recent rise of anti-Semitic attacks throughout our country. We stand with the congregation and the people of Alameda. We hope that police find the vandals responsible for this destruction and bring them to justice.”

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.

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