SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA – MAY 31: Police keep watch as firefighters work to extinguish a fire at a section of shops looted amid demonstrations in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death on May 31, 2020 in Santa Monica, California. California Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed National Guard troops to Los Angeles County to curb the looting and destruction of property. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody for Floyd’s death. Chauvin has been accused of kneeling on Floyd’s neck as he pleaded with him about not being able to breathe. Floyd was pronounced dead a short while later. Chauvin and 3 other officers, who were involved in the arrest, were fired from the police department after a video of the arrest was circulated. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) A Jewish security group took matters into its own hands and did what it could to protect the Jewish community from violence that occurred during the Los Angeles demonstrations against the death of George Floyd.
The group is called Magen Am, Hebrew for “nation’s shield.” It has 38 volunteers who focus on protecting the neighborhoods of Fairfax, La Brea and Pico-Robertson. Its director, Rabbi Yossi Eilfort, told the Algemeiner that Magen Am helped protect Jewish homes during the demonstrations, as the group views itself as a way to provide security until law enforcement arrives.
“We have not been engaged in any violence, but we have deescalated and deterred potential threats, at times politely escorting some people out of the neighborhood,” Eilfort said.
An anonymous volunteer from Magen Am told the Algemeiner that the group was able to defend Shaarei Telifa synagogue in Fairfax from looters apparently attempting to vandalize the synagogue with graffiti on May 30.
Eilfort told United With Israel, “It was really incredible to see our teams step up over the course of the protesting and riots. Our programming has been designed around in-place security and at the shuls. While our licensing, and much of our training is equally applicable to both scenarios, there was a lot of work from an organizational standpoint to enable us to begin responsibly carrying out a patrol/response program.”
He added that Magen Am was able to work more with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and National Guard as the violence died down and would bring law enforcement “cold drinks.” Eilfort said that it’s crucial for synagogues to engage in security training, which Magen Am offers.
“We learned from the Poway attack how important it is to have a plan for security, but also mental health treatment, baby-sitting, meal trains, insurance … simple activities become incredibly difficult, and it takes the broader community to help with the recovery,” the Magen Am director said. “For us, the licensing and legal ability to act as security is a most critical piece that cannot be overlooked.”
During the weekend of May 30, Congregation Beth Israel was vandalized with “Free Palestine” and “F— Israel” graffiti; several Jewish-owned businesses were looted as well, including Syd’s Pharmacy and Mensch Bakery. City Councilmember Paul Koretz issued a statement condemning the looting at the time.
“I condemn these acts, as they are an affront to all people of the Jewish faith,” Koretz said. “We must never allow anyone, for any reason, to get away with acts of hate against our community and neighbors.”
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