69-Year-Old Jewish Man Dies After Altercation with Pro-Palestinian Demonstrator: Paul Kessler Identified as Victim

Accident – death – Obituary News : 69-Year-Old Jewish Man Fatally Injured in Altercation at Pro-Palestinian Demonstration in Thousand Oaks

In a tragic turn of events, a 69-year-old Jewish man, identified as Paul Kessler, lost his life on Monday after sustaining a severe head injury during a heated altercation with a pro-Palestinian demonstrator in Thousand Oaks. The incident occurred at around 3:20 p.m. at the intersection of Westlake and Thousand Oaks boulevards, where rival groups supporting Israel and Palestine had gathered to voice their opinions.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office received multiple distress calls regarding a “battery” at the scene. When deputies arrived, they found Mr. Kessler in a critical condition, with a head injury. Prompt medical attention was provided, and he was rushed to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, despite all efforts, he succumbed to his injuries later that day.

According to official statements, witnesses reported that Kessler was engaged in a physical altercation with counter-protesters, during which he fell backward and struck his head on the ground. Shockingly, the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles revealed that Kessler had been struck in the head by a megaphone wielded by a pro-Palestinian protester. A video circulating on social media captured the distressing moment when Kessler was lying on the ground, while two individuals, including a pro-Palestinian demonstrator, rushed to his aid.

Expressing their deep concerns over this incident, the Jewish Federation emphasized the alarming rise in antisemitic crimes in Los Angeles, stating that this marked the fourth major incident targeting the Jewish community this year alone. They condemned the violence and demanded immediate safety measures, vowing to take every possible action to prevent such acts of aggression.

In a significant development, the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that the cause of Kessler’s death was a blunt force head injury, ruling it as a homicide. While the Sheriff’s Office did not disclose any arrests made in connection with the incident, they are treating it as a potential hate crime and are actively investigating the matter.

Authorities have urged anyone who witnessed the altercation or was present at the demonstration to come forward and provide information to aid the ongoing investigation. Detective Stump can be contacted at 805-384-4745, and anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or via their website.

The shocking incident in Thousand Oaks comes at a time when incidents of hate crimes against both Jewish and Muslim communities have surged in the United States and globally due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. As the investigation unfolds, it is hoped that justice will be served to ensure the safety and security of all communities involved.

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