Hundreds of people in Northern California have gathered to relight a replacement menorah after the first one was vandalized and its pieces dismantled. The Oakland Police Department has launched a hate crime investigation after vandals attacked the menorah by Lake Merritt early Wednesday. The vandalism comes as Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah. Tensions are high over the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel in Gaza. Oakland's mayor quickly condemned the vandalism as a vile act of antisemitism, as did Jewish and Palestinian American organizations calling for a cease-fire in Gaza. The menorah is a symbol of light used during Hanukkah.
