69-Year-Old Jewish Man Dies After Altercation at Pro-Palestinian Rally

Accident – Death – Obituary News : 69-Year-Old Jewish Man Dies After Altercation at Pro-Palestinian Rally in California

LOS ANGELES (KTLA) – A tragic incident occurred on Monday in Thousand Oaks, California, where a 69-year-old Jewish man lost his life after suffering a severe head injury during an altercation with a pro-Palestinian demonstrator. The incident took place during demonstrations involving pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups at an intersection in the suburb northwest of Los Angeles.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office received multiple calls about a “battery” at around 3:20 p.m., prompting deputies to rush to the scene. Upon arrival, they discovered the victim, identified as Paul Kessler, with a head injury. He was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries on Monday.

According to the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, Kessler was fatally injured when he was struck in the head by a megaphone wielded by a pro-Palestinian protestor. A video shared on social media captured the aftermath of the incident, showing Kessler lying on the ground as two individuals, including a pro-Palestinian demonstrator, attempted to provide assistance.

In response to the tragic event, the Jewish Federation released a statement expressing their outrage and demanding safety for their community. They highlighted that this incident marked the fourth major antisemitic crime committed in Los Angeles this year alone. They firmly condemned any violence against their people and vowed to take all necessary measures to prevent it.

The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy and determined the cause of death to be a blunt force head injury. They ruled the manner of death as a homicide. Consequently, the incident is being investigated as a possible hate crime.

Rabbi Michael Barclay of Temple Ner Simcha in Westlake Village, near Thousand Oaks, called for caution before jumping to conclusions about the incident. He revealed that conflicting reports exist about what happened and emphasized that the police are being cautious in their investigation. Rabbi Barclay urged the community to avoid letting this tragic event ignite further violence.

As of now, the Sheriff’s Office has not disclosed whether any arrests have been made in connection with the incident. Authorities are treating it as an active and ongoing investigation, noting that it appears to be an isolated event rather than part of a larger effort.

The incident occurred against the backdrop of the recent war between Israel and Hamas, which has sparked protests worldwide. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of thousands of people, with Hamas militants facing criticism for their aggression towards Israel, including the killing and kidnapping of civilians. Israel, on the other hand, has faced accusations of indiscriminate bombing that has claimed the lives of many innocent civilians in Gaza.

The tragic death of Paul Kessler serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing tensions and violence surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The investigation into his death will hopefully shed light on the circumstances surrounding the altercation and provide justice for the victim. The Jewish community in Los Angeles and beyond mourns the loss of one of their own and continues to advocate for peace and safety for all..