Statement on Anti-Semitic Attack in Thousand Oaks

Thousand Oaks, Calif. – John Andersen, Chairman of the Ventura County Republican Party, today released the following statement regarding the anti-Semitic attack which occurred over the weekend in Thousand Oaks:

“As the Chairman of the Ventura County Republican Party, I fully and unequivocally support the right of the State of Israel to defend itself after the horrific October 7th terrorist attack by Hamas. It is clear that Hamas is intent on seeing the elimination of the State of Israel and the extermination of Jewish people. That is absolutely unacceptable and I call on our national leaders to do everything necessary to support our allies in Israel.

“It is unfortunate that the violence seen in the Middle East spread to our community over the weekend. We are deeply saddened by reports that an elderly Jewish man, Mr. Paul Kessler, has died after being struck in the head by a megaphone wielded by a pro-Palestinian protester. On behalf of the Ventura County Republican Party, I extend our prayers and deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mr. Kessler.

"While we support the First Amendment right of people on both sides of this international conflict to have their voices heard, there is no place for this kind of violence in our community and we condemn the actions of anyone who turns a protest into an act of hate-filled violence. I look forward to the Ventura County District Attorney to holding any perpetrators responsible to the fullest extent of the law.”