In a controversial decision that has sparked outrage among activists, two individuals involved in a 2021 attack on Jewish diners at a Los Angeles restaurant have avoided jail time. Instead, Xavier Pabon, 30, and Samer Jayylusi, 36, were sentenced by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Laura Priver to visit the Holocaust Museum and undergo cultural bias training. The attack, which took place at Sushi Fumi restaurant, involved a mob that reportedly shouted antisemitic slurs while driving through Jewish neighborhoods before assaulting Jewish patrons at the restaurant with a metal pole and physical violence.
This image depicts the scene of the attack where a pro-Palestinian mob assaulted Jewish diners.
The incident occurred amidst heightened tensions in the Middle East in May 2021, which unfortunately led to a surge in hate crimes against Jews in the United States. Then-Mayor Eric Garcetti labeled the attack as "organized and anti-Semitic." George Gascon, the Soros-backed district attorney, charged Pabon and Jayylusi with two felony counts of assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury, including a hate crime enhancement. However, Gascon's office attributed the sentencing decision to Judge Priver, explaining that the defense opted to plead open to the court, allowing the judge to impose a sentence potentially different from the DA's recommendation.
This image shows the aftermath of the attack on Jewish patrons at the Los Angeles restaurant.
The lenient sentencing has drawn sharp criticism from organizations like Stop Antisemitism, with Liora Rez expressing fury and questioning the relevance of a Holocaust museum visit as a consequence for individuals with radical pro-Palestinian views. Rez highlighted the attackers' radical stance, easily discoverable through a simple social media search. This incident comes on the heels of other antisemitic attacks, including an assault on Joseph Borgen in Times Square, which resulted in permanent wrist injuries.
This image shows Joseph Borgen, another victim of a hate crime, speaking at a rally against anti-Semitic violence.
