The Davis Police Department is asking for the public's help to identify the suspect in a hate crime investigation.Surveillance video released by police shows a man walking into the front yard of a home in East Davis with a large knife early Friday morning. He sliced an Israeli flag and then took the flag.Police said another similar vandalism happened down the street from the vandalism captured on video.Police said they believe both incidents are connected because of the similarity of the crimes committed, their physical proximity, and the time they occurred. They are investigating this as a hate crime."In this case, the victims both believe they were targeted based on their faith," Lt. Dan Beckwith said. "That in and of itself, in conjunction with the crime occurring, makes it a hate crime."Since Oct. 7, incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia have sharply increased across the world. KCRA 3 asked police if that trend has been seen in Davis."I haven't seen any specific increases in any area," Lt. Beckwith said. "These two were very unique."The victim at the home that didn't have a surveillance camera set up said they now have a security system with cameras. They said their home's Israeli flag was cut down and stolen."At first, we weren’t even going to report it as a hate crime," Suzanne Crago-Schneider said. "I thought, okay, some person of less than stellar character decided to rip it off; but then when my husband saw the other flag got torn down, it becomes a pattern, and that’s when we felt, okay, no we need to stand up for this because it needs to stop."Crago-Schneider said this incident feels "personal" because her mother and grandmother were Holocaust survivors. She said her family lost hundreds of relatives in Europe. "Right now, I feel like we're in 1933 in Europe, but we're not going to hide," she said. Both she and the other home involved have hung new Israeli flags.After the Oct. 7 attack, Crago-Schneider said she donated both to the Friends of the IDF to support Israeli troops and to the Red Crescent because she "knew there would be an impact on innocent civilians in Gaza." The victims who live in the home where the surveillance video was captured are speaking out, as well. They sent the following statement to KCRA 3: "We are a proud American-Israeli family, committed to our Jewish heritage, and deeply rooted in the Davis community. The hate crime and targeted vandalism we recently endured, carried out with a weapon, has no place in our city. This incident is yet another example of the challenges the Jewish community has faced over the past six months, indicating a troubling rise in antisemitism in our town."We are immensely grateful for the swift and diligent response from the Davis Police Department and are equally appreciative of the overwhelming support from our community. We urge our elected officials to take serious action against the presence of hate extremists within Davis."This incident has not weakened our spirit; rather, it has fortified our resolve to stand against hate in all its forms. Our hope is that all residents of Davis can proudly and safely express their cultural and heritage pride. Together, we stand strong, committed to ensuring that Davis remains a safe, inclusive, and welcoming place for all."Jewish organizations said they are aware of the hate crime investigation.Rabbi Jeremy Simons and Rabbi Bess Wohlner of Congregation Bet Haverim of Davis sent the following statement to KCRA 3:"We are deeply saddened by these acts of vandalism. Antisemitism has increased significantly worldwide since the tragic attack on Oct. 7. Members of our community are understandably nervous and these acts only further those feelings of fear; attacks on property often lead to attacks on people. The solution to antisemitism won't come from rabbis writing statements like these. It will come when people outside the Jewish community make it clear that such behavior is unacceptable in our society. For the many non-Jewish people who have reached out to offer their support, we thank you." The Jewish Federation of the Sacramento Region is also speaking out. A spokesperson sent the following statement to KCRA 3:"The Jewish Federation of the Sacramento Region unequivocally condemns the recent acts of vandalism and theft targeting Israeli flags in the City of Davis. These deliberate actions are not only attacks on private property but are deeply disrespectful assaults on the principles of freedom and tolerance that define our community."We stand firmly against any form of antisemitism and xenophobia, and we support every individual’s right to express their cultural and national identities without fear of retribution or violence."We urge the local authorities to investigate these incidents promptly and thoroughly, and to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Additionally, we call on all members of our community to come together in solidarity to demonstrate that our Jewish community will not be intimidated or isolated."Davis Police ask anyone with any information or surveillance video of the two incidents to come forward.You can call the department at 530-747-5400 or email them at policeweb@cityofdavis.org.