Eugene: Jewish hate crimes turn violent

EUGENE, Ore. – The first assault happened just after 11 p.m. Saturday, five blocks from the University of Oregon campus in Eugene. That's when the victim said two men punched him, kicked him and hit him with a weapon.

Two hours later the victim told police the same suspects attacked him again, this time a block east.

According to Eugene Police, one of the suspects yelled anti-Semitic slurs at the 33-year-old Jewish victim. Anti-Semitism in this college town has become a more frequent occurrence of late.

In January, an on-campus open-invitation event hosted by the pro-Nazi Pacifica Forum sparked student protests, with some saying the Forum made the university – and surrounding community – a dangerous place. The tension escalated when someone spray-painted a 4-foot-by-4-foot swastika in the office of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans Queer Alliance. Though no Pacifica members are suspected, one of its January lectures focused on the symbolism of the swastika.

Administrators found themselves trapped between the ideal of tolerance and the right to free speech. Meanwhile, students such as April-Kay Williams have said they're leaving the university in the face of these hate crimes.

"It may be common to you but I've never experienced hate like this before," Williams said in an e-mail. "...I do not want to be on a campus where the president talks about diversity and inclusiveness but still allows a hate group on campus."

In Saturday's assault case, police arrested 32-year-old Gary Lee Kehm overnight. Kehm is charged with second-degree assault, unlawful use of the weapon and first-degree intimidation. Sergeant Kris Martes said the assault is considered a hate crime.

"The purpose and the motivation behind the crime, according to the victim, is his religious orientation," Martes said.

According to police, all three men knew each other. None were university students, however. All are reportedly transients. The victim was hurt in the attack, but declined medical treatment.
    
Police are still looking for the second suspect. They said he goes by the name "Sweetpea." Police said he is 5-feet-10-inches tall, with a thin build and shoulder-length hair and a beard. He's about 35 years old. He was last seen in a red baseball hat, maroon jacket and blue jeans, carrying a tan backpack.

Anyone who knows "Sweetpea" or sees him is asked to call Eugene Police at (541) 682-8888.