What it is about

Members of the Adas Torah synagogue in Los Angeles have filed a lawsuit against three radical groups—CodePink, Palestinian Youth Movement, and WESPAC Foundation—alleging they orchestrated a violent riot that prevented Jews from accessing their place of worship.

Why it matters

This lawsuit shines a spotlight on rising antisemitic incidents in the U.S., underscoring the need for societal and legal repercussions for those who propagate hate and use violence to infringe upon the religious freedoms of Jewish communities.

Details

Filing the lawsuit on behalf of seven synagogue members, StandWithUs Center for Legal Justice (SCLJ) claims the protesters engaged in violent and intimidating behavior that escalated into rioting. The suit seeks approximately $5,000 for each violation and appropriate punitive damages.

The Big Picture

Images from the June 23 protest depict the severity of the incident, with some congregants left bloody and security forced to intervene. Despite condemnation from President Biden and demands for justice from various quarters, the incident has heightened fears within the Jewish community, making legal action crucial.

What’s Next

Carly Gammill, SCLJ Director, emphasizes that organizing such antisemitic riots to deprive Jews of their First Amendment rights is unacceptable. The legal system is being used as a means to seek consequences for the failure of law enforcement to act, a sentiment echoed by plaintiffs and advocates.

What They’re Saying

“It’s shocking to witness thugs shutting down a synagogue and assaulting Jews in the streets. Our legal system must step in where law enforcement has failed,” says a plaintiff anonymously.

Manhattan Institute’s Ilya Shapiro, expressing the broader frustration, points to the neglect at federal, state, and local government levels regarding such mob activities.

The Legal Angle

Mark Goldfeder of the National Jewish Advocacy Center argues that more than 200 violations of federal and state laws have been committed, pointing out the severity and number of incidents organized to cause harm to the Jewish community. The Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act is also cited as applicable in prosecuting the offenders.

Conclusion

As the Jewish community awaits justice, this lawsuit serves as a critical step emphasizing that antisemitic violence and intimidation are intolerable in a nation founded on religious freedom.

This story was first published on foxnews.com.