A growing number of deputy district attorneys in Los Angeles have raised concerns about antisemitism in the office after months of silence from their boss, George Gascon. This issue came to a head after clashes between anti-Israel agitators and counterprotesters outside a synagogue in a heavily Jewish neighborhood in the city, leading to condemnations from various prominent Democrats.
Key issues that have been brought up include Gascon’s slow response to Hamas’ terror attack on Israel, his endorsements from local groups accused of antisemitism, and multiple whistleblower retaliation lawsuits filed by Jewish prosecutors. Gascon’s response to these concerns has been criticized, with some feeling that he has not taken a strong enough stance against antisemitism.
In response to the allegations, Gascon’s office stated that they condemn all forms of hatred, including antisemitism, and take discrimination allegations seriously. However, some prosecutors feel that Gascon’s actions and endorsements do not align with this statement.
One prosecutor, John Lewin, expressed concerns about Gascon’s handling of the situation, particularly his response to the clashes outside the synagogue. He believes that Gascon’s actions and statements have not been in line with combating antisemitism effectively.
Gascon’s challenger in the upcoming election, Nathan Hochman, criticized Gascon’s silence on antisemitic protests and violence, stating that it sends the wrong message. He emphasized the importance of addressing illegal conduct, such as rioting and hate crimes, as part of the DA’s responsibilities.
Gascon’s office has denied allegations of antisemitism and stated that they are working to ensure equity and diversity within the office. However, critics like Hochman argue that the leadership in Gascon’s office lacks qualifications and has faced legal issues, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the current administration.
In light of these ongoing issues and criticisms, the debate around antisemitism in the Blue City DA’s office continues to be a significant topic of discussion among prosecutors in Los Angeles. The upcoming election will likely play a crucial role in determining the direction of the office and its approach to combating antisemitism moving forward.