Aged Jewish man killed in California after confrontation with pro-Palestinian protesters

A 69-year-old Jewish man was killed in California on Sunday after a confrontation with pro-Palestinian protesters in what many contemplate a “hate crime.”

Aged Jewish man killed throughout protest

The sufferer has been recognized as Paul Kessler, 69, described by the Day by day Mail as a “man dedicated to peace and dedicated to Israel.” Kessler discovered himself caught within the center rival rallies in Thousand Oaks, California on Sunday, with one supporting Israel and the opposite supporting Palestine.

Reviews declare that Kessler was concerned in an altercation with one other particular person, which brought on him to fall backwards and hit his head on the bottom. The Jewish Federation of Nice The Angels claims that Kessler “was hit within the head by a megaphone wielded by a pro-Palestinian protester.”

Kessler was rushed to the hospital, the place he in the end died from accidents believed to be the results of blunt power head trauma.

“The Ventura County Sheriff’s Workplace is investigating the incident and has not dominated out the potential of a hate crime,” the VCSO stated in an announcement.

Kessler was reportedly on the pro-Israel rally along with his spouse, who was reportedly “in a state of full shock.” Witnesses informed ABC Los Angeles that each side had been working in opposition to one another earlier than issues obtained bodily.

“They had been each standing on a flat floor they usually had been shouting at one another, after which the man introduced his megaphone up and hit Paul, and Paul went down,” stated a witness who didn’t wish to be named.

Native Rabbi Moshe Bryski stated Kessler’s dying is “only a tragedy.”

“It ought to by no means have come to this… There’s a funeral arising for somebody who simply wished to wave an Israeli flag,” he added.

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Jewish group calls for motion

The Anti-Defamation League is demanding that regulation enforcement “launch an intensive investigation to find out who’s accountable,” in accordance with the Los Angeles Occasions.

The Jewish Federation of Nice Los Angeles additionally launched an announcement saying:

“We’re devastated to be taught of the tragic dying of an aged Jewish man who was struck within the head by a megaphone wielded by a pro-Palestinian protester in Westlake Village. Our ideas are with the sufferer’s household.”

“Whereas we await extra data from our regulation enforcement companions, we remind you that that is the fourth main anti-Semitic crime dedicated in Los Angeles this 12 months alone. Violence in opposition to our folks has no place in a civilized society. We demand security. We won’t tolerate violence in opposition to our group. We’ll do every thing we are able to to stop this.”

Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, warned that there was a disturbing enhance in anti-Semitic assaults after the battle between Israel and Hamas erupted final month.

“We’re devastated by stories that an aged Jewish man has died after being hit within the head by a megaphone wielded by a pro-Palestinian protester in LA,” Spitalnick stated. “Folks have the best to protest Israeli insurance policies and actions – however in far too many circumstances lately we’ve got seen protesters veer into specific and harmful extremism and anti-Semitism. The dying of Paul Kessler appears to be the sadly inevitable consequence.”

“We want all respectable folks to unequivocally reject the hatred and violence that has elevated since October 7, no matter their views on the battle or whoever the hatred and violence targets,” she continued.

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CAIR speaks out

In the meantime, the Council on American-Islamic Relations issued its personal assertion saying it’s “deeply saddened by this tragic and surprising loss. We be part of native Jewish leaders in calling on all people to not soar to conclusions, sensationalize such a tragedy for political acquire, or unfold rumors that might unnecessarily escalate tensions which are already at an all-time excessive. ”

“We urge everybody to attend till the Ventura County Sheriff’s Workplace completes its investigation earlier than drawing any conclusions,” the assertion continued. “Our ideas are with the household and the Jewish group at this tough time.”

On the time of writing this text, no arrests have been made in reference to Kessler’s dying. It stays to be seen whether or not it should truly be categorized as a hate crime.