2 Men Charged For Attack On LA Jewish Diners During Israel-Gaza Conflict

By i24
Posted on 09/23/21 | News Source: i24

'A hate crime is a crime against all of us,' LA district attorney says in announcing charges

Two men have been booked on hate crime and assault charges for an incident in May during Israel's conflict with Gaza when a group of Jewish diners in Los Angeles were subjected to antisemitic abuse before a fight broke out.

Xavier Pabon, 31, and Samer Jayylusi, 36, were charged with one count each of assault with a hate crime enhancement, according to a statement from the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office.

The two defendants allegedly participated in the brawl on May 18 outside of a sushi restaurant in the western section of the city when a caravan of cars waving Palestinian flags stopped near diners. People exited the vehicles and began throwing bottles and other items while yelling anti-Israel and anti-Jewish slurs.

"A hate crime is a crime against all of us," Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement. "My office is committed to doing all we can to make Los Angeles County a place where our diversity is embraced and protected."

The attack took place in the Beverly Grove neighborhood in western Los Angeles, where there is a significant Jewish community, just hours after an afternoon demonstration near the Israeli consulate at which the Palestinian Youth Movement organized.