Elderly Jewish couple assaulted on their way to Beverly Hills synagogue for Sabbath services, suspect arrested

According to the Beverly Hills Police Department, Jarris Jay Silagi, 44, of Los Angeles, was busted after fleeing the scene.

On Saturday at approximately 9:00 am, officers were dispatched to North Rexford Drive and North Santa Monica Boulevard for reports of a person who had been assaulted with a deadly weapon. Responding officers found an elderly man who had a cut on his head after he had been hit with a belt.

According to police, the man’s wife was present during the attack and the victim was treated at the scene.

The victim’s son posted a picture on X of a bloody shirt belonging to his father and stated that his parents were on their way to his synagogue for Sabbath services when the attack occurred. Rabbi Pini Dunner said that the victim was still able to make it to services and even read the Torah for the congregation.

Silagi is being charged with assault with a deadly weapon, attempted robbery, elder abuse, and a hate crime and is being held on $100,000 bail at the Los Angeles County Jail.

His initial court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday.

Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark Stainbrook said in a statement, "This despicable act of hate against a member of our community will not be tolerated."

Antisemitic attacks have spiked since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing over 1,200 and taking over 200 captive.

The couple, identified just by their first names Raphy and Rebecca, recounted to NBC 4 the attack.

"All of a sudden, I see the guy hitting my husband with the belt and screaming, 'Give me your earrings, Jew,'" Rebecca said.

“At first, it was shock," Raphy said. "It was a huge hard knock on my forehead here."