According to the Manhattan Beach Police Department (MBPD), there have been 10 reported hate crimes within the city since January 2022. (See our report on the string of hate-related incidents here.)

Both the City Council and the MBUSD Board of Trustees have since made formal resolutions to denounce this hate. On October 6, the city approved a resolution condemning antisemitism that aligned with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition of antisemitism. The school board followed with a similar resolution on October 26.  

Coalition Against Hate Aims to Educate, Raise Awareness

As a result of the increase in the prevalence of acts of hate and antisemitic incidents in Manhattan Beach, Councilmember Hildy Stern formed the South Bay Community Coalition Against Hate to address such incidents in the community through programs that educate, raise awareness, and support efforts to apprehend those who commit these crimes and to foster a sense of belonging. 

The coalition includes Manhattan Beach leaders from the city, MBPD, MBUSD, Manhattan Beach Education Foundation (MBEF), the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce, L.A. County Supervisor Mitchell’s Office, American Martyrs Catholic Church, Congregation Tikvat Jacob, the Jewish Community Center, the Beach Cities Health District, and the L.A. County Commission on Human Relations.

"Hate is a disease that spreads and grows with ignorance and intolerance, and sadly we've seen it grow and spread throughout our nation and even here in our own community. It's now past time to turn things around, so I'm pleased to see Manhattan Beach leaders joining forces to work on solutions to combat hate here at home," said Manhattan Beach Mayor Steve Napolitano in a statement. “It is my hope that our neighbor cities and school districts throughout the South Bay will join us to denounce hate and counter it with acts of kindness and goodness. I also encourage residents to take action against hate, speak up in ways that draws attention to it among us, and participate in the upcoming events held during United Against Hate Week. It’s important that we educate ourselves about the root causes of hate and intolerance, and learn to accept and embrace our differences.”

“It hurts my soul that the world our youth are inheriting is one where hate and antisemitism is so prevalent,” said Rabbi Kalev in a statement. “So many of us envisioned a world where our children can live without being afraid, where they would never know the symbol of the swastika or ever feel excluded. But, that is not the case today. And yet, I still have hope. The South Bay Community Coalition Against Hate, our city leaders, those who protect our community, as well as so many residents are not willing to let this poison permeate our South Bay. The hard work put into the events of United Against Hate Week reminds me that we are not alone in building a world where difference is celebrated and seen as a blessing. I know this week is only the beginning of the hard work we will continue to do in the months ahead.”

“I’m proud of the work happening in our schools to combat hate and ignorance,” said Manhattan Beach Unified School District Board President Sally Peel in a statement. “However, efforts to fight racism and other forms of hate cannot only come from the school district. It is together, as a community, that we can best address incidents of hate. Together we will create a culture and community where our children will thrive and hate has no home. Through our collaborative approach in working with local leaders to develop and implement programs and events during United Against Hate Week, MBUSD is reaffirming our commitment that hate has no place on our campuses or within our community. These events and the campaign send an important and timely message, and provide a way for everyone to help in creating the welcoming community everyone deserves.”

United Against Hate Week Events

The South Bay Community Coalition Against Hate has prepared a series of events to honor United Against Hate Week.

On Sunday, there will be a Kick Off CommUNITY Event from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Polliwog Park. This event for all ages will feature the rainbow pathway unveiling, special guest speakers, sidewalk chalk art, treats from Mychal’s Learning Place, live music, art projects, and a drum circle. There will also be distribution of MB vs. Hate lawn signs, which will be an ongoing campaign.

Next, on Tuesday, November 15 at 6:30 p.m., the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation is hosting a free screening of the documentary film “RACE to be Human” followed by a panel discussion, at the Mira Costa Auditorium. “RACE to be Human” is a documentary told through the lens of students, experts, and educators, which explores how to foster healthy conversations about race and racism and how we can collectively move toward dignity and respect. The film is appropriate for ages 10 years old and up.

To end the week, the coalition is promoting a Community-Wide Moment of Silence on Friday, November 18 at 9:31 a.m. For one minute, community members of all ages are asked to pause, focus their breath, and quietly think about how we all can positively support others.

Lawn signs and window signs that say, “MB Stands United Against Hate” will be available for pick up at schools, city facilities, and other locations throughout the city during the week.

The coalition will continue to organize educational and awareness programs, while also working with MBPD to hold any individual(s) who have committed a hate crime accountable for their actions. 

For more information, please visit www.mbvshate.org. 

To report an incident of hate, call 911 for emergencies, or call the MBPD non-emergency line at (310) 802-5140. Dial 211 to report all hate to LAvsHate.