Crime & Safety
Holocaust Memorial Vandalized In Santa Rosa: Police
It was the second time the fountain at the memorial was vandalized and police are investigating whether the incidents were hate crimes.
SANTA ROSA, CA — The Holocaust Memorial at Santa Rosa Memorial Park and Cemetery was vandalized Friday and police are investigating whether it was a hate crime.
An employee of the memorial park at 1900 Franklin Ave. found the fountain at the Holocaust Memorial knocked over with major damage, Santa Rosa police Sgt. Christopher Mahurin said.
The employee believes the fountain was vandalized between 9:15 a.m. and 2:40 p.m. Friday.
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The fountain was previously vandalized and knocked over in 2020, and that case remains open, Mahurin said.
The monument was commissioned by Sebastopol resident Dennis Judd to memorialize 12 family members who were victims of the Nazis, and to honor his survivor parents, Lillian and Emil Judd.
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The fountain for ritual handwashing was rebuilt after the first vandalism and a security camera was installed but it was stolen, Judd told members of the media.
A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered by the Sonoma County Alliance Community Engagement and Safety Rewards Fund for information leading to the arrest of the person or people responsible for the vandalism.
Detectives have not determined whether the same suspect or suspect vandalized the fountain in both incidents.
"Both cases are being investigated as a vandalism and detectives/officers are also investigating whether they were hate crimes," Mahurin said. "The most recent incident happened during the day and detectives are looking for anyone who witnessed the vandalism. If you witnessed the incident or have information about who vandalized the fountain at the Holocaust Memorial, please contact SRPD through our online Tip Line: www.srcity.org/CrimeTips."Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
