San Anselmo community rallies together after swastika, other antisemitic graffiti found at school

SAN ANSELMO, Calif. (KGO) -- Dozens came together at Brookside Elementary in San Anselmo Tuesday night after a swastika and other antisemitic graffiti were found at the school over the weekend.

A discovery that although sad - was not shocking for many.

Dani Cohen is a mom of three who has students who attend Brookside. She says the incident has heightened some of the fears she's had for her children in recent years

"My reaction was how am I going to tell my kids and walk them to school the next day?" said Cohen.

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And Cohen's concerns aren't unique.

Since Hamas' attack on Israel three years ago and the ensuing war in Gaza, reports of antisemitic incidents have risen across the country, including in Marin County.

"We are seeing a very large rise in antisemitic activities ranging from bias to outright hostility and even violence," said Kim Friedman.

The superintendent of the Ross Valley School District says their investigation into the incident has finished.

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They're currently working with local law enforcement as they too look at the evidence.

"It's two current students. Not of Brookside Elementary but within our district," he said.

In the mean time, community members like Holocaust survivor Anita Frank say it's important to stay together.

Providing hope and resilience to each other during a challenging time.

"We've been killed and murdered over the ages if you look at history," said Frank. "And the persecutions, one after the other throughout history. Yeah, we've survived."