During a peaceful demonstration against Israel’s military actions in the Gaza Strip, a 69-year-old Jewish individual exercising his right to protest was tragically assaulted by a pro-Palestine protester. Following the assault, he passed away in the hospital. Community Jewish advocates are labeling this incident as an act of anti-Semitism.
On November 5, a gathering of pro-Palestine protesters organized a demonstration close to the crossing of Thousand Oaks Boulevard and Westlake Road in Thousand Oaks, California. The location choice was notable given the area’s substantial Jewish community.
In response, a faction of local residents assembled for a pro-Israel rally at the same spot, including 69-year-old Paul Kessler, a respected local activist known for his frequent participation in progressive cause-related demonstrations, as mentioned by a newspaper editor.
Unfortunately, this became Kessler’s ultimate demonstration. Around 3:15 pm, while he stood exhibiting an Israeli flag, an individual from the pro-Palestine march used a megaphone to strike him, leading to his backward fall and subsequent head impact on the ground.
Rapidly taken to a nearby hospital, Kessler passed away the following day due to a brain bleed. Local officials mentioned that the assailant contacted 911 after Kessler’s fall and cooperated with emergency personnel. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office verified that several people reported the incident.
An examination confirmed that Kessler’s passing stemmed from a head injury caused by blunt force, classifying it as a homicide. Even though officials have refrained from formally designating it a hate crime, they have kept that possibility under consideration.
In contrast, the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles didn’t hesitate to express their viewpoint. On the day of Kessler’s passing, they released a statement, labeling the assault as the fourth significant anti-Semitic crime to occur in Los Angeles in this year alone.
