Glaser Weil and Sitrick and Company Join Pro Bono Legal Team of Los Angeles Man Attacked by Anti-Semitic Mob

Their client, a person of Lebanese and Armenian descent, suffered serious injuries after defending his Jewish friends who were attacked by anti-Semitic slurs, threats, and physical violence while they were all dining at a sushi restaurant together. According to multiple eyewitnesses, the mob waved pro-Palestinian flags and shouted slogans through a bullhorn as they drove by the restaurant in a caravan of  trucks and SUVs. After slowing down to shout anti-Semitic slurs, the mob began throwing bottles at the Jewish diners.  Next, the mob jumped out of the caravan, started asking diners who was Jewish, and then began physically assaulting them.  The Lebanese-Armenian client jumped to his Jewish friends’ defense as one of his friends was being beaten on the floor, and was quickly bumrushed by several members of the mob, and was also pepper sprayed.  The client had to receive urgent medical care at a nearby hospital.  The name of the client is being kept confidential for security reasons.

This incident was a flashpoint in the latest surge of anti-Semitic hate crimes spreading across the United States, which has accelerated in recent months amid renewed tensions between Israel and the terrorist group Hamas.    

Reports of this attack, including a video of the incident, were carried by news organizations across the nation.  As reported in the New York Times, “In a video capturing part of the episode, multiple cars proceed slowly down the busy street in front of the restaurant, which is near several synagogues and Jewish schools. A man with a megaphone shouts slogans like “Israel kills children” from one of the cars, before multiple men leave their vehicles to confront diners on the sidewalk outside the restaurant. A fight breaks out, and one man swings a heavy stanchion at the attackers. At least one person was injured.”

“Doing nothing is not an option,” said Patricia L. Glaser, Founding Partner and Chair of Glaser Weil’s Litigation Department.   Julie Gerchik, Litigation Partner at Glaser Weil, added:  “We are taking on this case pro bono to seek justice for our client who stood up against anti-Semitism even though he is not Jewish.  We intend to send a message:  The Jewish Community will not be intimidated – we will stand up and stand strong, and we will use the legal system to prosecute these hate crimes and fight anti-Semitism wherever it raises its ugly head.”

Michael Sitrick, Founder and Chair of Sitrick And Company stated, “The past several months have seen an extremely troubling outbreak of anti-Semitic threats and violence across the United States.  This must not and cannot be ignored. This rising wave of bigotry against Jews must be confronted and the perpetrators of anti-Semitic hate crimes – like all hate crimes – must be prosecuted.” 

Michael Yadegaran, Principal of Avenue Law APC and Benny Khorsandi, Trial Attorney at Law Office of Arash Khorsandi , added: “We are thrilled to add Glaser Weil And Sitrick And Company to the dynamic litigation powerhouse that we have assembled to fight back against this despicable hate crime.  Anti-Semitism has no place in the City of Angels.”           

The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the attack as a hate crime and has arrested two male suspects in connection with the caravan containing the mob that targeted the Jewish diners.  It is still unclear who else was involved or may have instigated the attack. 
 

About Glaser Weil

Glaser Weil, based in Los Angeles, is one of the country’s premier full-service law firms. Advising a roster of diverse, selective clients — from start-ups and large global corporations, to local and national landlords and developers, to high-profile entertainers and other well-known individuals — Glaser Weil represents clients’ interests with an unprecedented level of dedication and commitment.

Press

“Victim of antisemitic attack caught on camera sues over violence,” Los Angeles Times, March 15, 2022

“BREAKING: Sushi Fumi Victim Files Lawsuit,” Jewish Journal, March 15, 2022

“Top Law Firm, PR Firm Join Legal Team of L.A. Man Attacked by Antisemitic Mob,” Jewish Journal, July 7, 2021

“That attack outside L.A. sushi was antisemitic, right? Think again, says lawyer for accused,” Forward, July 11, 2021