Swastika painted near arson attack on dry-cleaner business near Sacramento Facebook Twitter Email SMS WhatsApp Share By J. Correspondent | September 16, 2011 The FBI is investigating an act of arson at an Arab Christian–owned dry-cleaning business near Sacramento as a hate crime after discovering racist graffiti and a swastika, the Sacramento Bee reported. The fire broke out Sept. 14 around 3:30 a.m. at Star Dry Cleaners in Orangevale. Someone apparently broke through a window and ignited a gas can, said an FBI spokesman. On a brick wall outside, someone spray-painted a swastika and the words “f— Arab,” the spokesman said. The business is owned by the Kurt family, Palestinian immigrants who have been in the United States since the late 1970s and who said they identify as Antiochian Orthodox Christians, the Bee reported. Pictures of the Virgin Mary decorated the store’s interior. “It’s horrifying,” said Nancy Appel, associate regional director for the Anti-Defamation League. “The swastika has come to be a uniquely horrible symbol for Jews, but it’s also a generalized symbol of hate.” Damage was estimated at $60,000, the Bee reported. J. Correspondent Also On J. Northern California Sacramento police tight-lipped after Swastika trench dug at golf course Northern California Sacramento high school's response to swastika incident prompts frustration Arson suspect admits mixing synagogue firebombs Israeli and U.S. flags with swastikas fly outside Sacramento home Subscribe to our Newsletter Enter Email Sign Up