The Los Angeles City Council is considering allocating public funds to private, armed security patrols to protect religious communities. This follows a violent protest against the marketing of West Bank settlement properties at a local synagogue last month.
In response to the incident, city council members introduced a motion to allocate $1 million to several Jewish security organizations to enhance their work around Jewish schools, religious institutions, and neighborhoods.
Magen Am, a nonprofit that provides armed patrol services and firearm training programs for the Jewish community, was named in the motion as a recipient of $350,000. According to its website and social media posts, Magen Am consists largely of former Israeli soldiers and U.S. military veterans. The organization was founded by a former MMA fighter with ties to the National Rifle Association. Many members of the group are “lone soldiers,” a term for individuals with no direct ties to Israel who immigrated there to serve in the military.
The city council has since introduced a new motion to allocate $2 million to various faith groups seeking additional security, without specifying any recipients by name. However, LA activists remain concerned that city funds might go to an armed group with hard-line political stances.
