Man Convicted for Arson of Mezuzah at Berkeley Jewish Learning Center

A California court convicted David William Denton, 45, of the serious arson offense after he deliberately set fire to a mezuzah at a Jewish learning center in Berkeley. The incident occurred in February when Denton arrived at the center on Bancroft Street, ignited the mezuzah affixed to the building's entrance, and caused significant distress within the local Jewish community. This act heightened fears of rising antisemitic hate crimes targeting religious institutions in the United States.

Following the jury's verdict, the court ordered Denton to be held in custody until his sentencing scheduled for September 3. The district attorney's office announced it would seek the maximum penalty of three years imprisonment, the highest sentence prescribed by law for this offense. District Attorney Ursula Jones Dixon emphasized that attacks on religious symbols inflict more than property damage; they aim to intimidate entire communities. She stated, "People of all faiths must be able to practice their religion and gather safely in their communities without fear of intimidation, threats, or harassment."