Two protesters were arrested for vandalism and battery following an incident at Wilshire Boulevard Temple on Dec. 3. (photo by Karen Villalpando)

A group of pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted a private event at Wilshire Boulevard Temple on Dec. 3, resulting in two arrests and reports of antisemitism. Social media videos showed masked protesters gathered outside the historic Jewish synagogue shouting and holding signs condemning Israel. At least one video appeared to show protesters inside the temple, taking videos with phones and shouting.

“Today we saw a disturbing outbreak of hate outside Wilshire Boulevard Temple that resulted in arrests for battery and the destruction of property,” the temple’s senior rabbi Joel Nickerson said on Dec. 3. “These individuals targeted the Jewish community and chose to disrupt a community event on synagogue property that was focused on advancing public safety in Koreatown. We appreciate the strong support we have received from elected leaders and law enforcement and look forward to working with them to ensure that those responsible for this hateful and illegal conduct are held accountable. No one should be targeted in the city of Los Angeles on account of their faith.”

The LAPD said that Ray Corpus, a 24-year-old man, was arrested for vandalism. Additionally, Quyen Ballagh, a 23-year-old woman, was arrested for battery. Both suspects were released from custody on Dec. 3 on their own recognizance and their next court date is scheduled for Dec. 24.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said she received reports that protesters damaged property inside the temple and called attendees antisemitic names.

“This behavior is abhorrent and has no place in Los Angeles,” Bass said. “I spoke with Rabbi Nickerson to ensure he and his congregation know that the city of Los Angeles stands with them and fully condemns these attacks. I am grateful to the LAPD officers who addressed this disturbance. Additional LAPD officers have been deployed to patrol near areas of worship.”

According to social media posts, the pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered to protest an event titled “Innovating Safety, Empowering Communities,” described as “a symposium on public safety and artificial intelligence for the Koreatown Community,” co-hosted by the temple, the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles and Faith and Community Empowerment – an Asian American community group.

According to Jewish Federation Los Angeles, the event was “intended to promote bridge building, learning and dialogue between the Israeli, Jewish and AAPI communities.”

According to social media posts, pro-Palestinian groups objected to the event and cited concerns over guest speaker Goni Saar. Saar is a business development manager for Elbit Systems, an Israel-based military technology company and defense contractor.

“Bringing genocide orchestrators into Los Angeles endangers Ktown and all of us,” read a post shared by Nodutdol for Korean Community Development on social media prior to the event.

Several Jewish groups and local leaders condemned the incident as antisemitic.

“We are outraged and condemn this antisemitic behavior in the strongest of terms,” a statement from Jewish Federation Los Angeles read. “There is no place in our community – or anywhere – for antisemitism and hate disguised as dissent.”

“What happened yesterday at Wilshire Boulevard Temple is unacceptable and deeply upsetting,” Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, 3rd District, said. “Since then, I’ve connected with Rabbi Nickerson, Jewish community leaders and neighbors who are fearful of what attack might be next. Antisemitism wreaks havoc, and threatens the safety and dignity of our Jewish neighbors. Without safety, there is no room for dialogue or understanding, and hate prevails.”

Horvath added that she is in close communication with the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department and local partners to ensure safety for the Jewish community as Hanukkah approaches.

“Wilshire Boulevard Temple is not in Council District 5, but many congregants are my constituents,” Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, 5th District, said. “They deserve to feel safe in their community and in their house of worship. As a Jewish Angeleno, a mother and a council member that represents the largest Jewish population in our city, I know how deeply these attacks shake our sense of safety. I will continue working with colleagues, public safety partners and community leaders to ensure the safety of Jewish Angelenos and accountability when protest crosses into intimidation or violence.”

“The hateful incident outside Wilshire Boulevard Temple was an attack on our Jewish community and on the values our cities stand for,” Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian said. “Harassment, vandalism and intimidation have no place here. When one community is targeted, every community must stand together.”