Jewish family's home, decorated for Hanukkah, is attacked

Redlands police are investigating a possible hate crime in which someone yelled antisemitic slurs and appeared to have fired an airsoft handgun.

- BY SALVADOR HERNANDEZ

THE COHEN family in Redlands decorated its frontyard to celebrate Hanukkah.

(RODGIR COHEN)

Police are investigating a possible hate crime after someone driving past a Jewish family’s home in Redlands fired several shots and yelled antisemitic slurs, police said.

The attack on the home, which had been decorated with inflatable animals, dreidels and menorahs for Hanukkah, was captured on surveillance video. Police believe an airsoft handgun was used in the attack.

“Unfortunately, Redlands is not immune to these hateful acts, as a local family was targeted because of their festive home decorations celebrating Hanukkah,” the Redlands Police Department said in a statement.

The incident occurred Friday on the 1300 block of Magnolia Avenue after the family had arrived home that evening, the statement read.

On Monday, a spokesperson for the Police Department said that no suspects have been arrested or identified and that the investigation continues.

Rodgir Cohen, a professor of political science, religion and psychology, said he and his family had just returned from Shabbat dinner. The family had walked inside their home, but he and his son were headed back to the car after realizing he'd left his cellphone at the restaurant.