'Antisemitic and un-American': Biden condemns violent protest at Los Angeles synagogue

WASHINGTON ― A pro-Palestinian protest outside a synagogue in Los Angeles that devolved into violence drew the condemnation of Democratic leaders including President Joe Biden, who criticized the incident as antisemitic.

Biden, in a statement Monday, said he was "appalled" by the scene Sunday outside the Adas Torah synagogue in Los Angeles, where opponents of Israel's war in Gaza staged a protest that turned into brawling.

"Intimidating Jewish congregants is dangerous, unconscionable, antisemitic, and un-American," Biden said. "Americans have a right to peaceful protest. But blocking access to a house of worship – and engaging in violence – is never acceptable."

The protest, which took place in the heavily Jewish Pico-Robertson neighborhood, broke into fist fights and spread into other neighborhoods, the Los Angeles Times reported. Demonstrators said they were opposing an event at the synagogue promoting the sale of stolen Palestinian land.

Biden and other Democrats have faced increasing pressure from the progressive wing of their party that opposes Israel's war − and from other critics who say Democrats have not done enough to call out antisemitism that has surfaced since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, a Democrat, called the violence "abhorrent" and said blocking access to a place of worship is "unacceptable." Bass called on the Los Angeles Police Department to provide additional patrols in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood and outside of houses of worship across the city.

“I want to be clear that Los Angeles will not be a harbor for antisemitism and violence," Bass said. "Those responsible for either will be found and held accountable."

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who is Jewish, said he was "horrified by the antisemitic violence" outside the Los Angeles synagogue.

"Violently blocking the entrance to a synagogue is unacceptable. This is violent antisemitism, plain and simple. Those responsible must be held accountable," Schumer said.

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