CALIFORNIA BRIEFING / IRVINE
Three signs described by authorities as anti-Israel and pro-Hamas were posted on and near the Beth Jacob Congregation synagogue Tuesday morning in an incident police are investigating as a hate crime.
Three 8 1/2 - by 11-inch signs written in marker were posted on a rear door of the building, on a metal utility box in front of the building and on another signal box a few hundred yards down the street, said Irvine Police Lt. Rick Handfield. Police declined to say specifically what the fliers said.
The signs were posted between 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Police are searching for witnesses and reviewing surveillance tape of the area.
Irvine police notified other religious institutions in the area and were sending extra patrols to the neighborhood.
Beth Jacob Rabbi Yisroel Ciner said that although the congregation is taking security precautions, the incident has not seriously affected worshipers.
On-site guards were expected for weekend services, according to a congregation-wide e-mail.
-- Susannah Rosenblatt
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