Accident – death – Obituary News :

69-Year-Old Jewish Man Dies After Altercation with Pro-Palestinian Demonstrator in California

Authorities Investigate Possible Hate Crime

LOS ANGELES (KTLA) – Tragedy struck in Thousand Oaks, a suburb northwest of Los Angeles, as a 69-year-old Jewish man lost his life on Monday after sustaining a severe head injury during an altercation with a pro-Palestinian demonstrator. The incident occurred during demonstrations involving pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups, further intensifying the ongoing tensions in the region.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office received multiple calls around 3:20 p.m. regarding a “battery” at an intersection in Thousand Oaks. Deputies swiftly responded to the scene and discovered the victim, identified as Paul Kessler, with a head injury. Kessler was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries on Monday.

An initial investigation revealed that Kessler was involved in a physical altercation with counter-protesters, causing him to fall backward and strike his head on the ground. Witnesses at the scene reported that Kessler was struck in the head by a megaphone wielded by a pro-Palestinian protestor, as seen in a video posted on social media. The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles confirmed these details and expressed deep concern over the rising antisemitic crimes in the city.

“While we wait for more information from our law enforcement partners, we remind you that this is the fourth major antisemitic crime committed in Los Angeles this year alone,” the Federation stated. “Violence against our people has no place in civilized society. We demand safety. We will not tolerate violence against our community. We will do everything in our power to prevent it.”

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, further emphasizing the severity of the incident. As the investigation continues, authorities are treating the case as a possible hate crime.

Rabbi Michael Barclay of Temple Ner Simcha in Westlake Village, near Thousand Oaks, urged caution and advised against jumping to conclusions about the incident. He revealed that conflicting reports were being investigated by the Chief of Police, and no video evidence has been obtained yet.

“We need to do the same and not let this become a spark that starts an inferno,” Rabbi Barclay posted on social media.

While the Sheriff’s Office did not disclose any information about potential arrests, they assured the public that this incident appears to be isolated and not part of a larger effort. The investigation remains active and ongoing.

Since the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas erupted, protests have taken place worldwide, expressing outrage over the loss of thousands of lives. Hamas militants have faced widespread condemnation for their invasion of Israel, which resulted in the killing and kidnapping of civilians. On the other hand, Israel has faced accusations of indiscriminate bombing, leading to the deaths of numerous civilians in Gaza.

The tragic death of Paul Kessler serves as a somber reminder of the escalating tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Authorities are determined to bring justice to the situation and prevent further acts of violence in the community.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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