The Los Angeles City Council is currently deliberating on whether to allocate public funds to private armed security patrols to safeguard its religious communities. This decision comes in the aftermath of a violent protest at an LA synagogue last month, which was sparked by the marketing of West Bank settlement properties.
Initial discussions within the city council led to a proposal to grant $1 million to various Jewish security organizations, aiming to enhance security measures around Jewish schools, religious institutions, and neighborhoods. Among the recipients mentioned in the motion was Magen Am, a nonprofit that provides armed patrol services and firearm training programs for the Jewish community. Comprised mainly of former Israeli soldiers and U.S. military veterans, Magen Am has raised concerns among LA activists due to its hard-line political stances.
Following objections from activists like Miguel Camnitzer from Jewish Voice for Peace, a revised motion was introduced, suggesting $2 million in funding for faith groups seeking additional security. However, the absence of specific accountability measures for the recipients of city funds remains a point of contention.
One of Magen Am’s directors, Leibel Mangel, who served in the IDF’s counterterrorism unit during the 2014 Gaza War, has been actively involved in conflict zones. Concerns were raised about Magen Am’s firearms trainer, former U.S. Navy SEAL Jason Pike, whose online presence displayed violent and extremist content. Pike’s controversial posts, including a video of waterboarding his son and condoning violent acts against protesters, have sparked outrage among advocacy groups.
Despite requests for comment from Magen Am leadership and city council offices, responses have not been forthcoming. The concerns surrounding the potential funding of security firms for Jewish communities were ignited by a protest outside Adas Torah synagogue in LA, where clashes between demonstrators and counterprotesters escalated into violence.
Councilmember Katy Yaroslavksy and Councilmember Bob Blumenfield initially proposed allocating funds to various Jewish organizations, including Magen Am, in response to the synagogue incident. The push for increased security funding for religious institutions has gained momentum nationally, with calls for enhanced protection against potential threats.
However, opposition to the motion was evident during a council meeting, where concerns were raised about the implications of funding armed groups with controversial affiliations. The presence of Magen Am’s armed units at events like the real estate protest and student encampment raised further apprehensions about potential escalation of violence.
Activists like Camnitzer emphasized the need for accountability and safety in allocating public funds to security organizations. The debate surrounding the funding of former IDF soldiers for patrolling LA streets underscores the complex intersection of security, politics, and community interests.
As the LA City Council continues its deliberations on this contentious issue, the outcome of the decision will have far-reaching implications for the city’s diverse religious communities. The need for a balanced approach that prioritizes safety while upholding accountability and transparency remains paramount in addressing these security concerns.