Sunday turned out to be a hectic day in the Jewish world. Who could've possibly imagined that as we were in the midst of our Jewish Federation's 30th Anniversary Celebration brunch, honoring our organization's presidents, an event would unfold a mere 20 miles away, and we would become an international story?

 

Let me start by saying a huge thank you to everyone who attended our 30th Anniversary celebration and helped us mark the occasion of hitting 30 years. Special thank yous also go to our program and event sponsors and our 30th Anniversary Celebration Planning Committee. The event could not have been possible without you.

 

The event itself was a homecoming for many, as they got a chance to see people they had not seen for many, many years. It was also a moment to look back on all our Jewish Federation has been able to accomplish and the positive impact we have had on our community over the last 30 years. It truly was a spectacular event, and I am so proud that we did it.

 

Sadly, as we were in the midst of our celebration, the world witnessed the events that were transpiring in the Pico-Robertson area as Pro-Palestinians targeted a local LA synagogue by protesting outside the doors of the synagogue. To me, along with many others, the actions of these protestors crossed the line.

 

I am all for people protesting something that they believe is wrong. Still, it is an entirely different action when not only when people target a location to both intimidate and antagonize. With the ongoing events following October 7, we have seen protests at City Halls, on street corners, and in front of elected officials' offices, but Sunday's protests were not like this. They were blatantly anti-Jewish because it was conducted directly in front of a house of worship. Can you imagine what the outcry would be if the Jewish community protested outside a church or mosque? I cannot even fathom a reason why the organized Jewish community would ever consider doing it, let alone think it was okay to do.

 

Sunday's targeted violence could have been avoided had the protestors not planned to intimidate and antagonize the Jewish community. They actively chose to do this, and by doing so, their actions were clearly antisemitic.

 

You know the events on Sunday were a big deal when news of these events was responded to by not only LA mayor Karen Bass, Governor Newsom, and President Biden, but also Israeli Opposition Leader Yair Lapid… from Israel. And I am proud that so many people called out these actions the way they did.

 

For the last two days, our Jewish Federation has been in direct contact with our local law enforcement about the steps they are taking and passing along any information they have or are receiving. In fact, what is nice in this instance is that THEY are reaching out to us. Many have reported that they have stepped up patrols because of their awareness of what is happening and how quickly things could escalate moving forward in other areas.

 

I assure you that our Jewish Federation will continue to monitor these events and work closely with our local law enforcement and Jewish institutional leaders to do what we can to ensure the safety of not only our local Jewish institutions but also our Jewish community as a whole.