Los Angeles, CA – In response to the violence that erupted at a protest in front of the Adas Torah synagogue on June 23, 2024, Councilmembers Katy Yaroslavsky and Bob Blumenfield introduced a motion today aimed at increasing security for places of worship, community centers, and schools, particularly within the Jewish community.
Following a series of urgent meetings with City leadership, law enforcement, private security, and community leaders, the motion highlights the need to ensure the safety and well-being of the community. These discussions underscored the necessity for city, state, and federal resources to support nonprofit community security services that provide essential training and patrols in vulnerable communities.
"While everyone has a right to peaceful protest, we also have the right to be safe from fear and violence," said Councilwoman Yaroslavsky. "The events on Sunday were deeply disturbing and highlighted the urgent need for increased protection for our community’s most vulnerable institutions."
“The anti-Semitic violence we saw at Pico-Robertson this weekend is beyond sickening and we need more resources to keep our communities safe,” said Councilmember Bob Blumenfield. “Watching the footage of people getting assaulted outside a synagogue in a cultural mosaic like Los Angeles further highlights that Jewish hate continues to escalate.”
Governor Newsom has already committed to providing $80 million over the next two years for State Nonprofit Security Grants. Councilwoman Yaroslavsky's motion calls for the Chief Legislative Analyst, in collaboration with the Chief Administrative Officer, Los Angeles Police Department, and other relevant departments, to report back within 30 days on the following:
- Any available City funds to immediately support nonprofit community security services.
- Mechanisms that may allow the City to be reimbursed from State or Federal grants for expenses incurred prior to the availability of those grants.
- The availability and timing of any additional State or Federal grant funds that could supplement local funding.
Councilwoman Yaroslavsky emphasized the importance of swift action: "We must act immediately to expand and expedite funding for security services to ensure that all our community members feel safe and protected. This motion is a critical step towards achieving that goal."