Mayor's Statement: Condemnation of Antisemitic Acts in Albany
Published on November 24, 2025
During a time of the year, in which we should be preparing for moments of decompression and rest for the Holiday Break, we have been confronted with escalating challenges of antisemitic graffiti in Albany. This is layered in problematic and violent intentions, as we have primarily witnessed the hateful graffiti being plastered in and around the University Village student-family housing complex. Consequently, this has exposed many children to deplorable and violent statements being tagged upon City of Albany and UC Berkeley property. I have personally reached out to city staff for immediate removal. Our staff has been incredibly quick and mindful in recognizing the urgency to remove such derogatory graffiti. I have also personally notified staff with UC Berkeley, which seems to require a bit more coordination to remedy the hateful graffiti on their property. Nonetheless, they have been proactive once made aware.
I underscore all of this, to note that simply removing hateful graffiti of any kind does not solve the problem - which several vocal members of our local Jewish community have raised. It’s important to acknowledge this valid truth, while balancing with the reality that city staff and Albany PD are truly doing the best they can at the moment. We take this issue, and the escalating nature of the violent rhetoric seriously, as our police department is actively investigating all reported cases. I unequivocally would like to see that justice is pursued for the destruction of city property and I fully denounce this disgustingly vile attempt to normalize hate as an acceptable form of public expression. It’s not acceptable and will not be tolerated.
In a time when we should be celebrating with family and friends - some of us are instead confronted with having difficult conversations about acceptance and safety. This extends to issues around immigration as well. Though, in the spirit of centering the issue and moment, I want to specifically acknowledge that many of our Jewish community members and their families are impacted and hurt as a direct result of the hateful and violent graffiti in our city. I want to acknowledge the impacts this has on non-Jewish community members as well. Hate and violence has a troubling way of spreading if not checked and called out. This statement won’t universally heal the hurt everyone feels. Though, it does serve as a formal public acknowledgement to call these acts out.
To those feeling harmed or unsafe, I want to remind you that this is OUR community, which includes you. The act of graffiti removal may seem minor, but it sends a clear message that we will not tolerate this. Your mayor will not engage in complicity or silence. Coupling the swift response of city staff removing such graffiti, with my letter as your Mayor - this sends a stronger message of condemnation that we stand on business in Albany and will not allow anyone in our community to feel unsafe, unseen, or unheard.
The vibrant diversity of experiences, lived truths, and identities is what makes our little city move with such a big heart. We will not be intimidated with fear and violence. But we will push back with love and accountability. Because that's the Albany way!
-Mayor Robin D. López
Please report any evidence of hate speech you witness to the Albany Police Department by contacting the Albany Police Dispatch Center at 1 (510) 525-7300. Please don’t hesitate to call 911 to report a crime in progress.