LAPD, Jewish Leaders Hold Town Hall Ahead Of High Holy Days

Press release from the office of Councilmember Paul Koretz:

Sept. 7, 2021

On Wednesday evening, Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Koretz hosted a meeting at the Museum of Tolerance with presentations by the Los Angeles Police Department to Jewish leaders and community members regarding Jewish Community Security in time for the approaching Jewish High Holy Days.

The gathering, which brought out Rabbis and Jewish leadership from throughout the San Fernando Valley and West Los Angeles, highlighted the action plans of LAPD especially during the High Holy Days along with security and reporting tips for the community to assist LAPD in securing institutions and neighborhoods.

“As Councilmember for the Fifth District, which has deep roots for the Jewish community, I want to make sure that all Jewish people know the rights and resources they have when facing hate. According to the Anti-Defamation League’s annual Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents, 2019 and 2020 were, respectively, the highest and third-highest years on record for cases of harassment, vandalism, and assault against Jews in the United States since tracking began in 1979. These numbers are shocking and heartbreaking, but they are also a call to action,” said Councilmember Paul Koretz. “For years I have committed my office’s efforts in the fight against Anti-Semitism. Unfortunately, for the last several years, we have seen acts of violence and hate against our community at unprecedented levels. In every case and every incident, I have made sure that our Los Angeles Police Department and relevant agencies who join in the investigations, including the FBI, know that they have my full support through every obstacle and every challenge.”

Councilmember Koretz welcomed the community to the event highlighting the importance of safety around the High Holy Days, followed by Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Rabbi Abraham Cooper and Jewish Community Leader Los Angeles City Controller Ron Galperin. LAPD Command staff, including Deputy Chief Blake Chow, Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton, Commander Natalie Cortez and Commander Rafael Ramirez, provided insight into Operations Valley Bureau and Operations West Bureau, encompassing their appreciation for the opportunity to support the Los Angeles Jewish Community and the need to continue to partner with the community closely throughout the High Holy Days and beyond.

The two hour program was moderated by Councilmember Koretz’s Director of Public Safety Greg Martayan and featured a robust Q & A session. Joining the event were LAPD Captains from throughout the region, bringing forth and sharing with leadership their own plans which were specifically tailored for their geographic areas.

Prior to the program, Councilmember Koretz presented the Deputy Chiefs and Commanders along with Rabbi Cooper and Museum of Tolerance Director Liebe Geft with commendations from the City of Los Angeles.

When the meeting concluded, participants and LAPD Command staff broke off into smaller sub groups to close any gaps of communication and to exchange contact information. Brochures specific to reporting, how to report and where to report were disseminated as well. Participants departed with a wealth of knowledge specific to safety and security, especially as we approach the holiday season.

This press release was produced by the office of Councilmember Paul Koretz. The views expressed here are the author's own.