Members of a synagogue in Los Angeles have taken legal action against three major protest groups for allegedly organizing a violent protest that blocked Jews from entering their place of worship last month. The lawsuit, filed by the StandWithUs Center for Legal Justice (SCLJ) on behalf of seven synagogue members, accuses CodePink, Palestinian Youth Movement, and WESPAC Foundation of threatening and intimidating individuals, seeking damages and punitive damages for their actions.
The protest, which occurred on June 23 at the Adas Torah synagogue, escalated into violence with reports of bear spray being used and members left bloodied. The lawsuit describes the incident as a “modern-day pogrom” and highlights the need to enforce laws protecting religious freedom. President Biden condemned the incident, calling it “dangerous, unconscionable, antisemitic, and un-American.”
Despite criticism of law enforcement for not preventing the protest from turning violent, the synagogue members decided to seek justice through the legal system. The SCLJ argues that the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act should apply in this case, as it prohibits interference with religious freedom at places of worship.
The lawsuit also details past comments made by organizers of the protest groups, including celebrating terror attacks and associating with Holocaust deniers and Hamas officials. While CodePink declined to comment on the lawsuit and PYM and WESPAC did not respond to requests for comment, the legal battle continues as the Jewish community seeks accountability for the violent protest that targeted their religious freedom.
