In Los Angeles, a group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators, following a protest against President Joe Biden at a fundraiser, caused considerable disruption and vandalism in Westwood, a neighborhood known for its several synagogues. The incident, which occurred on Friday night, saw the protesters leaving anti-Israel graffiti on buildings near the synagogues, including Sinai Temple and Sephardic Temple Tifereth Israel, as well as a nearby church.
The protesters, some of whom also clashed with the police, marked walls and a public bus shelter with slogans such as “Free Gaza.” This slogan was still visible on Saturday afternoon. Notably, the anti-Israel graffiti was not limited to the Jewish places of worship but also included the Westwood United Methodist Church.
Despite the gravity of the situation and the evident antisemitic overtones, the response from local authorities has been muted. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who has previously attended events condemning antisemitism and shown support for the Jewish community, has yet to issue a statement regarding this particular incident. Her silence has raised questions, especially considering the increasing vocal criticism from some left-wing groups towards Democratic leaders perceived as supportive of Israel.
The Los Angeles Times provided minimal coverage of the incident, focusing on traffic disruptions and tagging of graffiti without delving into the specific antisemitic nature of the vandalism. The broader implications of such acts, both in terms of community relations and political discourse, remain a concern for residents and observers alike.