Prosecutors have charged Jarris Jay Silagi, 44, with multiple crimes following his alleged attack on Dec. 9 against a Jewish couple walking on Shabbat to their synagogue in Beverly Hills, Calif., saying it was an act of violence that “caused great bodily injury during the commission of the crime.”
Silagi allegedly ran towards the husband and wife, hitting the kippah-wearing man on the head with a belt before attempting to rob the woman. The crimes were caught on video.
The assault led prosecutors to file charges including one count of attempted second-degree robbery; one count of elder or dependent adult abuse, infliction of injury; one count of assault with a deadly weapon; and two counts of assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury.
“I unequivocally condemn the violent attack inflicted upon those peacefully observing their faith,” said Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón.
“Such acts of antisemitism have no place in our community, and we continue to be committed to ensuring justice prevails and holding the defendant accountable,” he continued. “Our thoughts are with the victims and all those who continue to be targeted for their faith. My office’s Hate Crimes Unit will work diligently to bring justice to the victims.”
