Two arrested in protest at synagogue over Israeli defense tech

Police arrested two people after a protest escalated into conflict at a Koreatown temple on Wednesday.

- BY GAVIN J. QUINTON

CHRISTINA HOUSE Los Angeles Times

THE AUDREY IRMAS Pavilion at Wilshire Boulevard Temple was hosting a public safety symposium.

The turmoil followed a demonstration in opposition to a private event at the Audrey Irmas Pavilion at Wilshire Boulevard Temple headlined by Israeli defense technology personnel.

Los Angeles police were on scene just after 10 a.m., department spokesman Jeff Lee said in an interview. There, they detained two individuals who were being held by temple security amid the disturbance.

"They were blocking the sidewalk, and employees of the temple weren't able to leave," Lee said. "Officers responded and were able to disperse the crowd."

Rabbi Joel Nickerson, speaking on behalf of Wilshire Boulevard Temple, described the incident as a "disturbing outbreak of hate that resulted in arrests for battery and the destruction of property." He said in a statement that individuals "targeted the Jewish community" and disrupted an event aimed at "advancing public safety in Koreatown."