Shattered Glass Can’t Break Our Jewish Spirit

In the early morning of November 5, someone smashed the storefront glass at Jewish businesses throughout Pico-Robertson. A suspect, who is not yet known, targeted Mezuzah Gallery on Robertson Boulevard, along with Glatt Mart, Elat Market, Got Kosher bakery and Bargain Oakhurst Pharmacy on Pico Boulevard.

LAPD have yet to announce that this is a hate crime since it is still under investigation. However, only Jewish businesses were hit. Though we are still waiting for the facts to come out, my gut is telling me that this was not random. Someone wanted to send us a message.

This comes the same week that gang members spraypainted “F— Jews” outside of a Jewish home in West LA, and a swastika appeared on a trash can at Crescent Bay Park in Santa Monica, according to local activist Sam Yebri.

When antisemitism like this occurs, we have two options. The first is to go into hiding mode; we can put our heads down, try to blend in and not speak up. If we are just quiet, perhaps it’ll all go away, we think.

The second option – the one I choose – is to be more visibly and proudly Jewish than ever. We can keep frequenting Jewish businesses, go to synagogue and wear our head coverings and our Stars of David and stand up for what we believe in. We can show that we will not be intimidated. No matter how much hate comes our way, it won’t deter us from celebrating our Judaism as publicly as possible.

From personal experience, I’ve found that the more visibly Jewish I am, the more the outside world respects me. They see someone who is so sure of herself and doesn’t compromise her values for others. They see someone who is strong and doesn’t care what people think. They see someone with a higher mission and purpose in life, which is commendable.

There are many Jews like me in Pico-Robertson. Even during this difficult time, when antisemitism is alarmingly high, they are also not backing down. They keep living their Jewish lives. They trust in the covenant that Hashem made with the Jewish people: no matter what antisemitism comes our way, we will continue to survive.

In the wake of this latest targeting, I am thankful that nobody was hurt. I am relieved that life is, for the most part, continuing as usual in Pico-Robertson. And I am grateful for LAPD, Jewish security groups Shmira and Magen Am USA and the concerned citizens who posted about these incidents. We are demonstrating that we refuse to be intimidated.

I posted about what happened on social media, and people from all around the United States started messaging me, asking how they could help. One person told me she bought a mezuzah from Mezuzah Gallery’s online store; I sent the link to others so they could do the same. For those who live locally, I urge you to also go to the grocery stores, bakery and pharmacy to show your support. Standing in solidarity with them in this moment is so important.

No matter what happens with the investigation, one thing is for sure: Shattered glass won’t break our Jewish spirit. It’s time to be louder and prouder than ever – here in Los Angeles, and beyond.

Kylie Ora Lobell is an award-winning writer and Community Editor of the Jewish Journal. You can find Kylie on X @KylieOraLobell or Instagram @KylieOraWriter.