(LOS ANGELES, CA – 11/6/2023) – The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today expressed grief at the news of the death of a Jewish man during a confrontation at a protest in the city of Westlake Village in Ventura County.
SEE: Jewish man dies after confrontation during pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian demonstrations
In a statement, CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush said:
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic and shocking loss. We join local Jewish leaders in calling on all individuals to refrain from jumping to conclusions, sensationalizing such a tragedy for political gains, or spreading rumors that could unnecessarily escalate tensions that are already at an all-time high.
“We urge everyone to wait for the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office to complete its investigation before drawing any conclusions. Our thoughts are with the family and the Jewish community during this difficult time.
“While we strongly support the right of political debate, CAIR-LA and the Muslim community stand with the Jewish community in rejecting any and all violence, antisemitism, Islamophobia, or incitement of hatred.”
CAIR-LA is Southern California’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush, (714) 814-4444, hayloush@cair.com; CAIR-LA Digital Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851 or eelkadi@cair.com