10
Loading video...
By Alia Shoaib
Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
A violent clash took place outside a synagogue in Los Angeles on Sunday, as pro-Palestinian demonstrators were confronted by pro-Israel protesters.
Videos shared on X, formerly Twitter, showed the chaotic scene as dozens of people brawled on the street outside of the synagogue.
Dozens of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside the Adas Torah synagogue in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood at around 11 a.m., police officer Tony Im told the Los Angeles Times. They were soon met by the counter-protesters and the two groups clashed, with shoving and punches being exchanged.
Read More on News
In an emailed statement to Newsweek, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed that it had responded to a protest in the Pico-Robertson area on Sunday afternoon and that one person had been arrested.
"There were several physical altercations between the two groups protesting, which resulted in two reports of battery. Also, one arrest was made for having spiked post at a protest. This individual was cited at West Los Angeles station and released," the statement said.
The department added it would investigate the two reported batteries and that additional patrols will be conducted around sensitive religious sites.
...
The war in Gaza has sparked widespread protests across the U.S., with pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrating against Israel's bombardment of the territory. Protests have gripped several college campuses across the country, leading to several arrests.
In response to the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, which resulted in around 1,200 deaths and over 200 hostages being taken to Gaza, Israel has conducted an intensive aerial bombardment and ground offensive on the territory. According to Gaza's health ministry, these actions have resulted in nearly 40,000 deaths.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in a press release that the violence there was "abhorrent."
"I want to be clear that Los Angeles will not be a harbor for antisemitism and violence. Those responsible for either will be found and held accountable," she said.
She added that she has asked the LAPD to provide additional patrols in the area.
In videos posted on social media, protesters from both sides can be seen shouting at and physically confronting one another. Palestinian and Israeli flags were on display, and some people wore yarmulkes and keffiyehs.
In one video, an egg was thrown at a pro-Palestinian demonstrator and bear spray appears to be deployed.
In another, protesters can be heard shouting "long live intifada," using the Arabic word for an uprising or resistance movement.
Police in riot gear cleared the area in front of the synagogue, and officer Im told CNN that the situation was "pretty calm" hours later.
California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the clashes in a post on X: "There is no excuse for targeting a house of worship. Such antisemitic hatred has no place in California."
Update 6/24/24, 12:12 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with comment from the LAPD.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines