Israeli Government Spokesman Denounces Pro-Palestinian Attack on Synagogue in Los Angeles.
On Monday, Israeli government spokesman David Mencer condemned the “absolutely shocking” violence that took place outside an Orthodox Jewish synagogue, Adas Torah, located in Los Angeles’ predominantly Jewish Pico-Robertson neighborhood. The incident occurred on Sunday when a mob of pro-Palestinian activists blocked the entrance to the synagogue, preventing members of the community from attending a meeting about real estate investment in Israel.
The situation escalated into violent clashes between pro-Palestinian activists and pro-Israel counter-demonstrators who arrived to defend the synagogue. Security officers and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) also faced off against the pro-Palestinian activists.
Mencer, in a briefing with journalists, expressed disbelief at “absolutely shocking images of Jews being attacked, violence on the streets of Los Angeles,” and referred to this incident as an act of “Jew-hatred.” He questioned why pro-Palestinian protestors would target a synagogue, stating that even if one is on the Palestinian side, attacking a place where Jews go to pray is unjustifiable.
The Israeli government expressed confidence in U.S. authorities to take strong and decisive action to protect Jewish communities, with Israel offering any necessary support. Mencer also addressed the Jewish community in Los Angeles and around the world, encouraging them not to hide behind walls but to wear their identity with pride. He acknowledged that Jews have faced numerous difficult times throughout history, but they will overcome this challenge as they have overcome others in the past.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, both of whom are Democrats, took hours to respond to the incident, finally condemning the antisemitic violence only after Breitbart News had published an article pointing out their lack of a response.