Bloomington prepared for racism-driven attacks

Seven weeks have passed since a limestone rock was thrown through a window at the Chabad House Jewish Student Center, and city officials say they have no further response to the attacks.

Since the first attack, the City of Bloomington has partnered with local organizations such as Bloomington United to prepare for future instances of similar attacks, said Beverly Calendar-Anderson, safe and civil city director.

Rather than create an immediate, specific program that might or might not work, the city opted to work with already existing institutions and organizations within the community to respond to the attacks, she said.

For example, on Dec. 5, Mayor Mark Kruzan participated in Lighting Up Bloomington, a Hanukkah event at Chabad House.

The city is also working with the University, which was the location of most of the anti-Semitic attacks in November and December, to better prepare for incidents that might occur in the future. They also want to ensure a swift response, Calendar-Anderson said.

“We’ve focused on solutions that are coordinated with other groups, effective and sustainable,” she said.

— Michael Auslen