Jewish Man Shares Experience of Attack Near Pico-Robertson Synagogue
Jewish Man Attacked Outside Pico-Robertson Synagogue, Investigation Underway
A Jewish man has come forward after allegedly being assaulted outside a Pico-Robertson synagogue in a suspected hate crime incident now under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department. The attack occurred around 10 p.m. Monday in an alley behind the Adas Torah synagogue.
The victim, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, recounted the frightening experience during an exclusive interview with NBC Los Angeles. He stated that although he is physically recovering, the emotional impact is still deeply felt. "I feared for the end of my life," he shared. "My whole life flashed in front of me. I thought that this was it. This is how it’s going to end."
He explained that while returning home from a different synagogue, he was approached by a man who exited a vehicle and launched an assault against him. "All of a sudden, the doors roar open, and he jumps out of the car, and he jumps on me," the victim said. "Puts his hands all over my neck. Pushes me to the right, pushes me to the left. The only thing I can remember is that I was yelling at the top of my lungs, ‘Help. Help.’"
During the struggle, the assailant threw him to the ground. "As I’m on the floor, vulnerable, in shock, he gives me a stare, a very dirty look, and says two words: ‘Free Palestine,’" the victim recalled.
Video footage of the incident, shared by The Los Angeles Scoop, has not been independently verified by NBC Los Angeles. However, a representative from Adas Torah confirmed that the footage depicts the assault.
David Englin, senior regional director for the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) in Los Angeles, expressed concern over the rising prevalence of antisemitic incidents. According to ADL’s latest figures, more than 530 verified antisemitic attacks occurred in the Los Angeles area in 2024, with 18 categorized as physical assaults. "That’s more than one antisemitic incident in the LA area a day," Englin said.
This alarming trend poses significant worries for the local Jewish community. "The fact that Jews feel uncomfortable about walking in safe neighborhoods is very disconcerting," commented Joel Kessler, a community member.
In the wake of the attack, the victim hopes the incident serves as a catalyst for change. "I think it is a lesson for all of us to learn that we have to make America a safe place," he said. "America is all about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. No one should be afraid to walk out at night. No one should be afraid to walk to synagogue."
Authorities described the assailant as a man just under six feet tall with an average build and wearing a camouflage hat. As of Wednesday afternoon, no arrests had been made. Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact the LAPD’s West LA Division.
