Jewish Restaurants in LA’s Pico-Robertson Neighborhood Targeted in Vandalism and Burglary Spree
Several kosher restaurants in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood of Los Angeles, known as the heart of the city’s Jewish community, fell victim to a disturbing series of vandalism and burglary incidents over the weekend. Occurring in the early hours of Saturday morning, on the Jewish Sabbath no less, these attacks have left the community shaken and concerned.
The unsettling events were shared widely on social media platforms such as Twitter and local news outlets. Images of kosher restaurants with shattered windows and damaged storefronts circulated, exposing the extent of the damages inflicted upon these establishments. Unfortunately, this is not the first instance of antisemitic vandalism in LA, as kosher eateries and synagogues have previously been targeted by hate crimes involving smashed windows and spray-painted swastikas.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), five restaurants were affected by these recent acts of burglary. Shockingly, one of the targeted restaurants was on the verge of having its grand opening on Monday, compounding the financial and emotional toll of this incident. The burglars mainly targeted the cash registers after breaking the restaurants’ windows.
The specific restaurants that were victimized in this spree include Nagila Pizza, Fisherman’s Bowl, Shanghai Diamond Garden, SushiKo, and Shalom Grill. The impact of these criminal acts extends beyond the direct damage caused, as the Jewish community in LA is now grappling with heightened fear and uncertainty about their safety and wellbeing.
The rise in retail theft incidents in Los Angeles, including massive looting events at malls, has been a growing concern. In response, Mayor Karen Bass established a special task force dedicated to combating these crimes just last week. An important figure in Los Angeles, Rick Caruso, who is set to run against Mayor Bass in the 2022 mayoral race, also campaigned in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood, pledging to address the issue of crime.
The targeting of Jewish restaurants in this manner is alarming, and it underscores the need for increased security measures and support for the Jewish community. It is essential for law enforcement agencies to investigate these crimes thoroughly and bring the perpetrators to justice. Now, more than ever, solidarity and unity are required to combat hate and ensure the safety of all communities.
