A 69-year-old man tragically lost his life after being involved in a confrontation during a rally regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict on Sunday.
The individual, identified by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office as Paul Kessler, was a pro-Israel protester. Described as an “elderly Jewish man” by the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, it was alleged that he was struck with a megaphone by a pro-Palestinian protester in what was considered an “antisemitic crime.”
The Jewish Federation stated, “Violence against our people is unacceptable in a civilized society. We demand safety and will not tolerate violence directed at our community. We will take all necessary measures to prevent it.”
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) denounced the alleged attack and expressed their support for the Jewish community. In a statement, they urged patience until the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office completes its investigation. They also emphasized their solidarity with the Jewish community in rejecting violence, antisemitism, Islamophobia, and the incitement of hatred.
According to deputies, the incident took place around 3:20 p.m. at the intersection of Westlake Boulevard and Thousand Oaks Boulevard, where simultaneous pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian protests were being held. Witnesses reported that a counter-protester struck Kessler, causing him to fall and hit his head on the ground.
Kessler was taken to the hospital but sadly passed away a day later. The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office classified his death as a homicide. The incident is actively being investigated, with the possibility of it being considered a hate crime.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact the sheriff’s office at (805) 384-4745. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.
Video and pictures of the incident can be anonymously sent to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office here.
– Laurie Perez contributed reporting.
