Two incidences of anti-Semitic vandalism have occurred at 300 Medical Plaza in the past month, according to university police.
On March 12, a hospital patient discovered a swastika written on the inside of a door in a men’s bathroom in red ink, UCPD Detective Sgt. Robert De Francesco said.
On March 22, a 12-by-12 inch swastika was discovered on the paneling of the elevator lobby.
In both instances, there were no witnesses, and there were no surveillance cameras in either area to identify who drew the swastikas, De Francesco said.
Although there are no suspects, it appears the same person drew both drawings.
“Based on the similar type and color of felt pen used, it seems it was the same person in both cases,” De Francesco said.
UC Davis has had a similar case of anti-Semitic drawings found on campus.
Beginning in late February, six swastikas have been found in dorms and around the Davis campus.
The most recent drawing was discovered March 14, according to a statement.
The drawings at UC Davis and acts at UC San Diego were some of the events that initiated a UC Board of Regents meeting from March 23 to 25 to discuss investigations into the acts and ways to promote tolerance on each campus.
Despite the recent drawings at UCLA and the issue of racism on other UC campuses, it is rare to find anti-Semitic vandalism at UCLA, said Rabbi Chaim Seidler-Feller, director of Hillel at UCLA.
The last incidence of such vandalism occurred more than a year ago, De Francesco said.
“These were isolated incidents. There was no reason for (the drawings) to happen, and the people in the building said they had not had any problems with anyone,” De Francesco said. “It seems that it was completely arbitrary.”
Seidler-Feller attributes the communication between UCLA students for the lack of anti-Semitism on campus.
“Students in all groups are reaching out to each other and trying to overcome differences, and that’s something we must nurture and cultivate,” Seidler-Feller said.