President Joe Biden has condemned the violence that occurred during a pro-Palestinian protest outside the Adas Torah synagogue in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood of Los Angeles on Sunday, June 23, 2024. The protest, which opposed the Israel-Hamas war, escalated into clashes between pro-Palestinian demonstrators and Israel supporters, leading to physical altercations and one person arrested for possessing a "spiked flag."
Biden described the incident as "dangerous, unconscionable, antisemitic, and un-American," emphasizing that Americans have the right to peaceful protest but not to block access to houses of worship or engage in violence. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also condemned the violence, calling it "abhorrent" and unacceptable. She requested additional patrols in the area and plans to meet with LAPD Chief Dominic Choi to discuss safety measures.
Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky and California Governor Gavin Newsom echoed these sentiments, decrying the antisemitic nature of the protest. The clash stemmed from an event organized by My Israel Home, a firm marketing real estate in Israel and West Bank settlements. Pro-Palestinian groups had announced the protest via social media.
The incident has raised concerns about rising antisemitic and anti-Muslim incidents amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.