Biden Condemns Pro-Palestinian Protest Outside LA Synagogue As ‘Unconscionable, Antisemitic, and Un-American’
President Joe Biden condemned the protest outside of a Los Angeles synagogue on Sunday that quickly turned violent as pro-Palestinian protesters and counter-demonstrators clashed.
“I’m appalled by the scenes outside of Adas Torah synagogue in Los Angeles. Intimidating Jewish congregants is dangerous, unconscionable, antisemitic, and un-American,” Biden wrote on X, adding:
Americans have a right to peaceful protest. But blocking access to a house of worship – and engaging in violence – is never acceptable.
The LA Times reported on the violent clashes, writing that “Pro-Palestinian activists began gathering in front of the Adas Torah synagogue in the 9000 block of West Pico Boulevard shortly before 11 a.m. Sunday, Los Angeles police Officer Tony Im said. They were quickly met with counterdemonstrators, many of them carrying Israeli flags.”
I’m appalled by the scenes outside of Adas Torah synagogue in Los Angeles. Intimidating Jewish congregants is dangerous, unconscionable, antisemitic, and un-American.
Americans have a right to peaceful protest. But blocking access to a house of worship – and engaging in violence…
— President Biden (@POTUS) June 24, 2024
While no injuries from the clashes were reported, according to LAPD, the scenes of fist-fights and scuffles on the streets swept across social media. “There is no excuse for targeting a house of worship. Such antisemitic hatred has no place in California,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) said on X.
LA Mayor Karen Bass called the violence “abhorrent” and said that “blocking access to a place of worship is unacceptable.”
“I want to be clear that Los Angeles will not be a harbor for antisemitism and violence. Those responsible for either will be found and held accountable,” she added on Sunday.
