San Jose, CA – Sukkot festivities ended early for Jewish students at San Jose State University after someone burned the outdoor shelter – known as a sukkah.
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The sukkah – made of a metal frame and nylon walls – melted, said Sue Maltiel, executive director of Hillel of Silicon Valley.
Police and Hillel officials believe the fire was deliberately set but was not a hate crime. There were no notes or messages indicating anything other than vandalism, said Sgt. Mike Santos with university police.
The 24-by-12-foot sukkah was new and cost the group $1,700, Maltiel said. In the past, students hung sheets on wood frames.
"We've never had a nice sukkah before," she said. "We're going to have to do a fundraiser. We have to replace it, but I hate to see it burned again." [mercurynews]