Violence erupts as pro-Palestine and pro-Israel protests clash outside synagogue

Los Angeles, California - A pro-Palestinian demonstration outside a synagogue in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood of Los Angeles clashed violently with a pro-Israeli counterdemonstration on Sunday, US media reported, showing video material of the violence.

A pro-Palestinian demonstration outside a synagogue in Los Angeles clashed violently with a pro-Israeli counterdemonstration on Sunday.
A pro-Palestinian demonstration outside a synagogue in Los Angeles clashed violently with a pro-Israeli counterdemonstration on Sunday.  © IMAGO / NurPhoto

A video on X showed demonstrators trading blows and kicks in the incident that took place in the area with a large Jewish population on Sunday. Photos showed people with blood streaming down their faces, but there were no reports of serious injury.

Media reports said that at least one person had been arrested. CNN reported that the clashes erupted after pro-Palestinian protestors gathered outside the Adas Torah Synagogue and attempted to block the entrance.

President Joe Biden posted on X that he was "appalled" by the scenes outside Adas Torah Synagogue.

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"Intimidating Jewish congregants is dangerous, unconscionable, antisemitic, and un-American. Americans have a right to peaceful protest. But blocking access to a house of worship – and engaging in violence – is never acceptable," Biden added.

California Governor Gavin Newsom described the clashes as "appalling."

President Biden, Governor Newsom, and more respond to Adas Torah violence

There was no excuse for targeting a house of worship, he said. "Such antisemitic hatred has no place in California," Newsom posted on X.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said that the city would not become a harbor for antisemitism. Bass said she had called on the Los Angeles police to provide additional patrols in the community and outside houses of worship throughout the city.

The protests come after an Israeli strike reportedly killed dozens of people at a Gazan refugee camp.

Cover photo: IMAGO / NurPhoto

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