Vigil Held for Jewish Man Who Died After ‘Altercation’ with Pro-Palestinian Demonstrator in Thousand Oaks In the wake of a tragic incident in Thousand Oaks, we, as personal injury bloggers, want to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Paul Kessler. Kessler, a 69-year-old Jewish man, lost his life during an altercation with a pro-Palestinian demonstrator just three miles away from Temple Etz Chaim. The incident took place on November 5, 2023, during demonstrations involving pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups. Deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office responded to calls about a “battery” at the intersection of Westlake and Thousand Oaks boulevards. When they arrived, they found Kessler suffering from a head injury. He was immediately taken to a nearby hospital but tragically succumbed to his injuries on Monday. As the investigation into Kessler’s death continues, it is important for us to come together as a community to support one another. A vigil was held at Temple Etz Chaim to remember Kessler and to provide comfort and solace during this difficult time. Family members, friends, and supporters of various faiths gathered, demonstrating solidarity and expressing their grief for the loss of a beloved community member. During the vigil, Rabbi Ari Averbach expressed the profound grief and shock that Kessler’s family is experiencing. Just a few days prior, Kessler was a healthy man looking forward to retirement. Now, his family is grappling with an unimaginable loss. Rabbis and dignitaries at the vigil called for allies to step forward and stand together in the face of hate and violence. This tragic incident serves as a test not only for the Conejo Valley community but also for California, the country, and the world. Do we matter? That is the question that State Senator Henry Stern posed, emphasizing the need for unity and support. Attending the vigil provided a sense of acceptance and community for many, such as Emily Sehatai. She shared that school conversations had been muted, but at the vigil, she felt truly embraced for who she is. The gathering served as a reminder that strength can be found in unity. Irma Sommerfeld spoke about how Kessler’s death was a defining moment for her faith. She expressed feeling stronger than ever and her determination to proudly display her Jewish identity through symbols such as flags and stars. Despite the fear and hesitation she may have previously felt, Sommerfeld now sees the importance of boldly representing her heritage. The recent rise in antisemitism has been deeply troubling for the Jewish community. Many attendees at the vigil expressed that they were not surprised by the hate, while others found it to be an eye-opening experience. Thousand Oaks Police Department Chief Jeremy Paris acknowledged the alarming amount of antisemitism occurring and emphasized the need for unity and understanding. Rabbi Averbach emphasized the importance of finding ways to communicate without resorting to violence. He called for dialogue and understanding, urging people from all backgrounds, regardless of their stance on Israel, to come together with kindness and a willingness to listen. Recognizing the impact of recent tensions and violence on mental health, a therapist will be available at the temple to provide support and counseling for those struggling to cope. As we mourn the loss of Paul Kessler, we must also renew our commitment to fostering a society that values and respects all individuals. Let us stand against hate, support one another, and work towards a future where incidents like this become a thing of the past. [Title]: Vigil Held for Jewish Man Who Died After ‘Altercation’ with Pro-Palestinian Demonstrator in Thousand Oaks [Meta Description]: A vigil was held in Thousand Oaks to remember Paul Kessler, a Jewish man who died after an altercation with a pro-Palestinian demonstrator. Read more about the vigil and the community’s response. [Tag]: Personal Injury Law [Featured Image Suggestion]: “Unity in Grief”