Mayor Karen Bass Orders Additional Patrols After Fights Break Out At Gaza Protest Outside L.A. Synagogue

Los Angeles, CA, Monday, April 22, 2024 - LA Mayor Karen Bass and City Administrative Officer Matt Szabo unveil the 2024-25 fiscal budget at City Hall. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Los Angeles authorities have intensified security measures around a local synagogue following violent clashes between pro-Palestinian demonstrators and counter-protesters on Sunday.

The conflict erupted at the Adas Torah synagogue in the prominent Jewish neighborhood of Pico-Robertson. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered to block the entrance to the synagogue, drawing an immediate response from pro-Israeli supporters.

The situation escalated quickly, with punches and kicks exchanged as tensions flared.

Rabbi Hertzel Illulian expressed his dismay at the scene.

“I don’t think the Jewish would go in front of a mosque or the Christian people would go in front of a mosque to do such a thing. Nobody would accept this, but here, when it comes to the Jews and Israel, everything is kosher, everything is okay,” he said, according to CBS News.

Witnesses reported intense verbal confrontations that swiftly turned violent. While no injuries were officially reported, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed that one person was arrested.

In response to the violence, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a strong statement condemning the actions and announcing increased security measures.

“Today’s violence in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood was abhorrent, and blocking access to a place of worship is unacceptable,” Bass stated. “I’ve called on the LAPD to provide additional patrols in the Pico-Robertson community as well as outside houses of worship throughout the city.”

Mayor Bass also revealed plans to meet with LAPD Chief Dominic Choi on Monday to discuss further steps to ensure the safety of Los Angeles residents.

“I want to be clear that Los Angeles will not be a harbor for anti-Semitism and violence,” she said.

California Governor Gavin Newsom echoed Mayor Bass’s sentiments on social media.

“The violent clashes outside the Adas Torah synagogue in Los Angeles are appalling,” Newsom posted on X. “There is no excuse for targeting a house of worship. Such anti-Semitism and hatred have no place in California.”

The increased patrols and heightened security aim to prevent further incidents and protect the community amid rising tensions.