The Beverly Hills Police Department is expected to provide an update within the next few days about the incident in which a swastika was drawn on the sidewalk outside of El Rodeo Elementary School. The swastika was discovered on Sept. 22, shortly before the start of Rosh Hashanah. The matter has been under BHPD investigation and has attracted widespread media coverage.
Within two days of the reported incident, the group StopAntisemitism named an individual it claims to be the perpetrator. The group stated that it has handed over relevant information to the BHPD. As of press time, however, the BHPD could not confirm that this individual is in fact a suspect.
The swastika, which had been on the sidewalk for an unknown period of time, was removed immediately upon discovery.
Video footage of the incident reviewed by the Courier shows a male individual dressed in burgundy sweats, a white T-shirt, black backpack and black cap cross Whittier Drive and walk on the sidewalk along Wilshire Boulevard. He is carrying what appears to be a canvas tote bag in his hand. He stops for a moment to speak to an unhoused individual, and then proceeds to draw on the sidewalk with a black marker before jaywalking across Wilshire Boulevard.
A statement released on Sept. 22 by the Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) described the incident as “a deeply troubling act of hate” which it condemned “in the strongest possible terms.”
The statement continued, “This hateful symbol was visible just steps away from a campus where students, staff, and families arrive to learn and feel safe. Antisemitism is not abstract, it is real, and it continues to show up in ways that are meant to intimidate. We want to be clear: hate of any kind is not acceptable.”
Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss noted, “Our district will act with transparency, responsibility, and care when hate harms our community. Your safety is our top priority.”
This is a developing story which will be updated as the facts unfold.
