The Chabad Lubavitch Synagogue in Santa Monica, California suffered an explosion which, intially thought to be an accident, has been linked to Ron Hirsch, a 60-year-old who was known to frequent synagogues and seek charity from them and other Jewish organisations in the area. No motive has yet been established. The ADL sent out a warning, though toning it mildly to say that there is no evidence of this being a hate crime.
Hirsch, who uses the aka Israel Fisher, is being sought by the FBI, the LAPD and the Santa Monica PD.
Here on the East Coast there will be a National Socialist Movement in Trenton, New Jersey on 15-16 April, partly in celebration of Hitler's birthday. Violence, however, is not expected from this group, though their rallies are usually attended with angry counter demonstrations. This year the address of a NSM leader was posted to the web by a small, California based anti-racist oganisation.
It's that time of the year...best to be a bit careful.
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