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

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

LOS ANGELES (KTLA) – A tragic incident occurred on Monday in Thousand Oaks, California, during a pro-Palestinian rally, resulting in the death of a 69-year-old Jewish man. Authorities reported that the man, identified as Paul Kessler, suffered a severe head injury during an altercation with a pro-Palestinian demonstrator.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office received multiple calls around 3:20 p.m. regarding a “battery” at an intersection where pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups were demonstrating. When deputies arrived at the scene, they found Kessler with a head injury. He was immediately transported to a nearby hospital but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries later that day.

According to the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, Kessler was struck in the head by a megaphone wielded by a pro-Palestinian protestor. A video posted on social media captured the moment when Kessler fell to the ground, with two people, including a pro-Palestinian demonstrator, attempting to assist him.

The incident has sparked outrage within the Jewish community, with the Jewish Federation condemning the act and demanding safety for their community. They emphasized that this was the fourth major anti-Semitic crime committed in Los Angeles this year alone and called for an end to violence against their people.

The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy and determined that the cause of death was a blunt force head injury. They ruled the manner of death as a homicide. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities are treating it as a possible hate crime.

Rabbi Michael Barclay of Temple Ner Simcha urged caution and encouraged people to refrain from jumping to conclusions based on conflicting reports and the lack of video evidence. He emphasized the importance of not letting this incident escalate into further violence.

The Sheriff’s Office has not announced any arrests in connection with the altercation. They have stated that this appears to be an isolated incident and not part of a larger effort.

The incident occurred amidst ongoing protests around the world following the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. The conflict has resulted in numerous deaths and has drawn international attention. Hamas has been criticized for invading Israel and targeting civilians, while Israel has faced accusations of indiscriminate bombing in Gaza, leading to the deaths of many innocent civilians.

The tragic death of Paul Kessler serves as a grim reminder of the need for peace and understanding between different communities. The Jewish community in Los Angeles and beyond mourns his loss and calls for an end to violence and hatred.

Note: The Associated Press contributed to this report..