Israeli government spokesman David Mencer has condemned the “absolutely shocking” violent protest against Jews by pro-Palestinian activists outside an Orthodox synagogue in Los Angeles on Sunday. The incident took place at Adas Torah in the predominantly Jewish Pico-Robertson neighborhood, where a mob blocked the entrance, preventing community members from attending a meeting about real estate investment in Israel.
Pro-Palestinian activists clashed with pro-Israel counter-demonstrators who came to defend the synagogue. The confrontation also involved security officers and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). Mencer, in a briefing with journalists, expressed his outrage over the incident, highlighting the violent nature of the protest and its location outside a place of worship.
“Absolutely shocking images of Jews being attacked, [and] violence on the streets of Los Angeles,” Mencer stated. “And where do they attack? Outside a synagogue. … This is Jew-hatred. … Even if you are on the Palestinian side, why do you go outside a synagogue where Jews go to pray?”
Mencer emphasized Israel’s trust in U.S. authorities to take strong and decisive action to protect Jewish communities, assuring that Israel would offer any necessary support. He also conveyed a message to Jews in Los Angeles and around the world, urging them to wear their identity with pride and not to hide.
“The way to face down this Jew-hatred is not to hide behind ever higher and higher walls, but it is for Jewish people to wear their identity with pride. … We have faced many, many difficult times; we will overcome this one, as we have overcome others in the past.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, both Democrats, faced criticism for their delayed response to the antisemitic violence, issuing condemnations only after Breitbart News highlighted their initial silence.
