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San Jose Opens Hate-Crime Probe After Swastikas Deface Jewish-Owned HVAC Company

Surveillance captured three masked vandals at the site.

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HVAC Gurus’ vehicles were vandalized overnight outside of their office in San Jose, Calif., on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
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Overview

  • Employees discovered the overnight vandalism Tuesday at HVAC & Insulation Gurus on the 70 block of Phelan Avenue.
  • Swastikas and the letters 'KKK' were spray-painted on multiple work vans and a garage door, and several windows and side mirrors were broken.
  • The San Jose Police Department classified the case as a hate crime and is reviewing security footage, with no suspects identified or arrested.
  • Owner Lior Zeevi, who is Jewish, said the attack targeted his faith and has rented vehicles to keep crews working while repairs are arranged.
  • Local Jewish leaders, including Rabbi Mendel Weinfeld of Chabad, condemned the vandalism as an attempt to intimidate and urged the community to respond with support and acts of goodwill.