Justice Department targets alleged anti-Israel attacker after Jewish man punched near synagogue during hostile protest.
A San Diego County man has been arrested after a federal grand jury indicted him on a hate crime charge linked to an alleged assault on a Jewish man near Adas Torah Synagogue in Los Angeles’ Pico-Robertson neighborhood.
Federal prosecutors say 28-year-old Zaid Gitesatani of Carlsbad, California, traveled to the June 23, 2024 anti-Israel demonstration outside the synagogue, where an event was being held to promote real estate purchases in Israel. According to the indictment, Gitesatani approached a Jewish man walking his dog near the synagogue and punched him in the jaw, causing pain, redness, and swelling.
Authorities allege Gitesatani later celebrated the attack on Instagram, posting images connected to the assault and messages boasting about striking “Zios.” Prosecutors also cited a caption targeting “The Chosen People,” which federal officials say supports the hate crime allegation.
The Justice Department said every American has the right to live without fear of violence because of identity or worship. If convicted, Gitesatani faces up to 10 years in prison.
The incident followed chaotic scenes outside the synagogue, where anti-Israel protesters and pro-Israel counterprotesters clashed. Then-President Joe Biden condemned the violence, calling intimidation of Jewish worshippers dangerous, antisemitic, and un-American.A San Diego County man has been arrested after a federal grand jury indicted him on a hate crime charge linked to an alleged assault on a Jewish man near Adas Torah Synagogue in Los Angeles’ Pico-Robertson neighborhood.
Federal prosecutors say 28-year-old Zaid Gitesatani of Carlsbad, California, traveled to the June 23, 2024 anti-Israel demonstration outside the synagogue, where an event was being held to promote real estate purchases in Israel. According to the indictment, Gitesatani approached a Jewish man walking his dog near the synagogue and punched him in the jaw, causing pain, redness, and swelling.
Authorities allege Gitesatani later celebrated the attack on Instagram, posting images connected to the assault and messages boasting about striking “Zios.” Prosecutors also cited a caption targeting “The Chosen People,” which federal officials say supports the hate crime allegation.
The Justice Department said every American has the right to live without fear of violence because of identity or worship. If convicted, Gitesatani faces up to 10 years in prison.
The incident followed chaotic scenes outside the synagogue, where anti-Israel protesters and pro-Israel counterprotesters clashed. Then-President Joe Biden condemned the violence, calling intimidation of Jewish worshippers dangerous, antisemitic, and un-American.
