Community Rallies After Mural Honoring Immigrants Defaced In East Bay

BERKELEY, CA — Community members are rallying to help restore a Berkeley mural honoring immigrants that was vandalized in August.

So far, more than $12,000 has been raised to help restore the mural, "Sinbad's Voyage," created by Bay Area artist and teacher Mokhtar Paki.

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"Mokhtar created Sinbad's Voyage, a public mural that honors immigrants and the local community members whose stories shape the neighborhood," the artist said in a fundraiser to help restore the mural. "This loss has been painful not only for Mokhtar, but also for the many people who have seen themselves reflected in this mural and what it stands for."

Police say the suspect splattered white paint across the mural on Wednesday, Aug. 19. It's unclear whether police have arrested or identified a suspect.

In an August press release, the Berkeley Police Department said this vandalism may be connected to another incident about a block and a half away from the mural, where someone poured white paint on the hood of a car parked in a home's driveway.

There's no evidence at this time that whoever committed the vandalism targeted anyone or any group specifically, police said.

Mokhtar, meanwhile, is seeking to raise $14,000 to cover the cost of restoration.

"Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a real difference," Mokhtar said in the fundraiser. "If you are able, please give what you can and share this fundraiser widely with others who care about public art, immigrants, and community healing."