Urgent: Albany Mayor Condemns Surge of Anti-Israel Graffiti

UPDATE: Albany is grappling with a disturbing rise in anti-Israel graffiti that Mayor Robin López has condemned as “hateful and violent.” This alarming trend is creating an unsafe environment for both Jewish and non-Jewish residents, prompting urgent calls for action from city officials and community advocates.

Just yesterday, Mayor López issued a statement denouncing the vandalism that has surged around the University Village student-family housing complex. The graffiti, including phrases like “burn Israel down,” has been spotted on various local businesses, with significant instances reported at The Habit Burger & Grill on Monroe Street. These incidents follow heightened tensions since the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas on October 7, 2023.

In his statement, López emphasized the need for justice against those responsible for defacing city property. “It’s not acceptable and will not be tolerated,” he declared. The mayor noted that nearly a dozen similar tags have been reported across Albany, a city with just over 19,000 residents. The frequency of these incidents has prompted city staff to enter “alert mode” for prompt removal.

The Jewish Parent Engagement Group has also raised concerns, with Coordinator Yafit Shriki Megidish labeling the graffiti as “troubling” and “hostile.” Many local Israeli and Jewish families now feel unsafe, with individuals reconsidering wearing items that identify them as Jewish. “These messages signal a dangerous shift in the public atmosphere — one that fosters fear, division, and the potential for targeted harm,” Megidish stated.

As the graffiti continues to proliferate, community members have reported increasingly violent slogans, including calls to “kill all Zionists,” which have emerged in the past few days. This escalation has heightened fears among residents, prompting them to reach out to advocacy groups for support and action.

López acknowledged the city’s limited resources in addressing acts of hate speech but expressed hope that a swift and coordinated response would send a strong message against such behavior. He encouraged residents to report any graffiti to the Albany Police Department at 510-525-7300.

In light of these developments, Megidish has called for more proactive measures, including establishing an antisemitism committee to address these issues head-on. The Albany Police Department is currently investigating the incidents, but additional details have not been disclosed.

While the University of California, Berkeley, has removed some graffiti from its properties, officials have yet to provide further comment on the situation. López aims to remind the community that diversity is a strength, stating, “We will not be intimidated with fear and violence.”

Residents and community leaders alike are watching closely as these incidents unfold, with a collective hope for a swift resolution to restore safety and unity in Albany.