PITTSBURGH —
Pittsburgh police are investigating repeated vandalism of an Israeli flag outside a home in the Mexican War Streets neighborhood in the city’s North Side, releasing video footage to help identify the suspect.
Deena Blumenfeld shared video footage with Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 showing someone slashing an Israeli flag outside her home. Pittsburgh police released additional video of the incident, which occurred on Sept. 30, and are asking for the public’s help in identifying the person seen wearing a denim jacket who they say slashed and damaged the flag.
Blumenfeld said this is the 21st incident of antisemitism on her property, involving seven different individuals.
In February, Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 reported that Ivo Stjepovic was charged with a misdemeanor count of ethnic intimidation and a summary offense of criminal mischief after police said he cut Blumenfeld’s flag with a knife.
Looking for more news in your area | Subscribe to the WTAE YouTube Channel
Blumenfeld provided a statement, saying in part, “Everyone is entitled to believe, think and feel any way they like. However, it is a juvenile response to lash out at something simply because you don’t like it or don’t understand it.”
She continued, “This is an act of violence against myself, my family and against Jewish people everywhere. And I think if folks will take a breath and learn to speak with their neighbors rather than acting out, we might be in a better place and resolve problems in a better manner.”
Police are urging anyone with information about the latest incident to contact the Zone 1 police station.
Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.