A Jewish man who passed away on Monday, following an alleged confrontation between pro-Palestine and pro-Israel demonstrators in California, reportedly suffered a blow to the mouth from a megaphone just before his fatal fall. Rabbi Mark Blazer, who spoke with direct witnesses to the incident, asserted, “The man struck Paul in the face with a megaphone. That is a fact. He hit him squarely in the mouth, and Paul went down.” The incident unfolded as Paul Kessler, 69, was holding an Israeli flag and participating with fellow protesters when two pro-Palestinian supporters approached the pro-Israel group in Thousands Oaks, engaging in a face-to-face confrontation, according to Rabbi Blazer.
“Paul remained conscious when he fell. Initially, he believed he had lost some of his teeth due to the forceful blow to his mouth. However, as he hit the pavement, he suffered a serious head injury,” added the rabbi, recounting the alleged clash. Sadly, this fall ultimately led to Paul’s passing after he was hospitalized.
Kessler – who had lived in Thousand Oaks with his wife, Cheryl, for about 20 years – was transported to hospital, where he died early Monday from skull fractures, brain swelling and bruising, officials said at a press conference Tuesday. an alleged confrontation
He also had injuries to his face that “could be consistent with a blow,” but the circumstances are still unclear and under review, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Christopher Young explained.
Though authorities have not ruled out the possibility Kessler’s death was the result of a hate crime, no one has been arrested or charged thus far, Fryhoff added.
Blazer told The Post he was not sure what words, if any, were exchanged between Kessler and the suspect before the alleged altercation.