Jewish Home with Hanukkah Decorations Shot at 20 Times by Gunmen Who Yelled ‘Free Palestine,’ Family Says By Angel Saunders

A Jewish family in California claims they were targeted by a group of individuals who fired at their home and shouted anti-semitic and racist slurs.

In a press release shared by the Redlands Police Department on Sunday, Dec. 14, a spokesperson said they are currently investigating a potential hate crime targeting a Jewish family in the 1300 block of Magnolia Avenue. 

The alleged incident happened on Friday, Dec. 12.

Homeowner Rodgir Cohen and his wife Heftsibah Cohen spoke with Los Angeles’ KTLA 5 News, and also shared surveillance footage of the incident, which they said occurred after they adorned their home with Hanukkah decorations.

Rodgir and his son Jon Paul said they were leaving their home around 8 p.m. on Friday when two women and a man drove past their residence in a four-door sedan. 

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“He was holding whatever it was towards me, but he chose to yell at me,” Jon Paul told the news station. “He said, ‘Free Palestine,’ and then he used the N-word. Looking back and realizing that what he had in his hand was likely a gun and that he was that close to me really shakes me up.” 

Not long after Rodgir and Jon Paul left, the vehicle returned.

Heftsibah said what she thought to be fireworks going off made the family’s dogs bark. It was only after they looked back at their surveillance footage that the Cohen’s realized it wasn’t fireworks. 

Their home had been shot at more than 20 times with what appeared to be an air soft gun, a weapon similar to a BB gun.

“No injuries or damage were reported. No shell casings were found, and home surveillance video showed no muzzle flash leading police to believe the weapon was an airsoft handgun,” the press release said.

Some of the Hanukkah inflatables set out in their front yard were damaged. Police believe the decorations led the individuals to target the family.

“As our friends in the Jewish community begin their celebration of Hanukkah, several tragic incidents have occurred across the globe, targeting people simply because of their faith. 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.

The alleged incident happened the same weekend that at least 12 people were killed and multiple others were injured following a mass shooting at Australia’s Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah event.

“We always know there’s antisemitism and hate and racism out there. It’s always out there,” Heftsibah told KTLA. “But when it comes by your house, it’s that reminder of how real it is.”  

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Rodgir told KTLA the attack won’t stop his family from celebrating the annual holiday. 

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“Hanukkah is about restoring and bringing the light to the world, bringing joy, peace and friendship amongst all communities across the world,” he said.

The Redlands Police Department added that they are “actively investigating the incident and will continue to provide additional patrols in the area and around places of worship within the City.”