In the wake of a violent protest outside an LA synagogue, Hollywood's Jewish residents have expressed fear and concern. The protest, which erupted between anti-Israel agitators and supporters of Israel, has prompted calls for increased security and self-protection measures among members of the entertainment community.
Hollywood's Jewish community is reeling from the recent anti-Israel protest outside the Adas Torah synagogue in Los Angeles, which erupted into violence on Sunday. The incident has sparked outrage and fear among Jewish residents, who feel increasingly vulnerable and are demanding more protection.
Jewish Hollywood Mobilizes Amidst Anti-Israel Violence in Los Angeles
"Pulp Fiction" producer Lawrence Bender expressed his horror at the events, stating, "As a Jew, I have always felt safe and part of a large, protected community here in Los Angeles, especially Hollywood. Clearly things changed dramatically between Saturday and Sunday."
WME agent Robert Newman condemned the protest as "unspeakably horrifying and frightening," comparing it to the violence in Charlottesville. "These violent anti-Israel mobs feel even more emboldened and justified to threaten and attack Jews anytime and anywhere," he said.
Jewish Hollywood Mobilizes Amidst Anti-Israel Violence in Los Angeles
Jewish residents have criticized the lack of response from local police, with only one reported arrest from the protest. Insiders have reported plans for the Anti-Defamation League to hold a briefing with the LAPD on the entertainment community's concerns.
"There's a lot of talk over the past 12–15 hours about self-arming and doing our own neighborhood watch groups and having our own self-funded groups," said a "well-connected industry figure."
Jewish Hollywood Mobilizes Amidst Anti-Israel Violence in Los Angeles
Director Jonathan Jakubowicz suggested that he may consider leaving Los Angeles due to the increasing antisemitism. "The Jewish community has been doing a good job protecting itself, but the level of violence keeps growing," he said.
Jewish community members have called for more action from their fellow entertainment professionals, urging them to speak out against the violence.
Jewish Hollywood Mobilizes Amidst Anti-Israel Violence in Los Angeles
"I am discouraged and disgraced by the silence to these events by Jewish entertainment professionals — powerful and wealthy showrunners for instance," said "Tulsa King" consulting producer William Schmidt.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has stated that it is committed to enhancing its relationship with the Jewish community and addressing concerns about safety.
The violence in Los Angeles comes amidst heightened tensions over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In October 2022, Hamas and other Palestinian groups launched a terror attack against Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking hundreds more hostage.
The Jewish community in Hollywood is seeking assurances from authorities that they will take proactive steps to protect their safety and prevent further acts of violence.
