Elderly Couple on the way to Synagogue Attacked in Beverly Hills by Homeless Man With 20 Prior Convictions

12.10.23: An elderly couple in their 70's were attacked from behind by a man with a belt on their way to Synagogue Saturday. The suspect struck Rafael Nissel in the head with a belt, causing his forehead to bleed. "Give me your earrings, Jew" said the suspect to the wife. The couple chased him however, and the BHPD made an arrest. The Nissels continued to synagogue, and the victim did not require medical attention for his injuries.

On Sunday afternoon, the Beverly Hills Police Department issued a press release confirming that the assault occurred at 9:03 am Saturday morning, near the Beverly Hills police station. They arrested a suspect Jarris Jay Silagi, 44, a homeless man. He has twenty or more previous arrests in Beverly Hills and other LA County cities. Silagi made anti-semitic comments before using his belt to assault Nissel. He was charged with assault with a deadly weapon, a hate crime, elder abuse and attempted robbery. Silagi is being held on $100,000 bond.

Press release from the Beverly Hills Police Department: – On Saturday, December 9, 2023, at approximately 9:03 a.m., Beverly Hills Police officers responded to the area of North Rexford Drive and North Santa Monica Blvd regarding a reported assault with a deadly weapon. Patrol Officers responded quickly and located an elderly victim who had sustained a laceration on his head after being struck with a belt.

The victim was accompanied by his spouse during the time of the crime. There is no relationship between the suspect and the victim. During the commission of the crime, the suspect made anti-Semitic statements to the victim. The victim was treated by the Beverly Hills Fire Department at the scene and did not require further medical attention.

The suspect fled the scene prior to police arrival. After a search by the Beverly Hills Police Department personnel, an individual matching the suspect description was witnessed fleeing by a BHPD Senior Forensic Specialist. Police officers used the information provided to quickly find, detain, and identify the suspect.

"Our officers quickly apprehended the suspect and he is in custody," said Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark Stainbrook. "This despicable act of hate against a member of our community will not be tolerated."

Arrested

Jarris Jay Silagi, 44 year old male of Los Angeles, CA. Silagi's charges include:

245(a)(1) PC – Assault with a Deadly Weapon

664-211 PC – Attempt Robbery

422.75 PC – Hate Crime

368(b)(1) – Elder Abuse

Silagi is being held on $100,000.00 bail and is currently in-custody at the Los Angeles County Jail. He has a court date of 12-12-23, at the Los Angeles Airport Court.

This is an ongoing investigation by the Beverly Hills Police Department Detective Bureau.

"Here is #antisemitism vignette you won't read about in papers. Yesterday, on way to shul, my father (75) and mother (70) were attacked. After being struck from behind on head by belt and called out as Jew, my father recomposed himself and successfully chased down perp with help of nearby @BeverlyHillsPD."

Many people replied with encouragement on Twitter. "Your father is very brave. I hope he is recovering well," tweeted Gabby Klein.

"Hope your father and mother are doing well. Hope the perp is not," tweeted Baruch Sandhaus

"oh goodness I am SO sorry - but in awe of his bravery.... wish him a chanukah sameach please - hope both your parents aren't too badly hurt," tweeted Simon Schama

"Sickening, I am so sorry this happened to your parents," tweeted Avraham Berkowitz

"Hate to hear that but how awesome is it that he chased the guy down! Mic drop!" tweeted Alan Pentz.