Loay Alnaji waits inside a courtroom in Ventura County Superior Court after Judge Derek Malan sentenced him to one year in jail and two years of probation on June 30, 2026. Alnaji pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the death of Paul Kessler, a Jewish man defending Israel at a counterprotest in Thousand Oaks in November 2023. JUAN CARLO -The V.C. STAR
Loay Abdel Fattah Alnaji, a Jordanian Muslim naturalized U.S. citizen born in 1973, struck Los Angeleno, Paul Kessler in the head with a megaphone during an anti-Israel demonstration on November 5, 2023. Kessler, 69, fell, suffered blunt force trauma, and died 9–10 hours later. On June 30, 2026, Ventura County Superior Court Judge Derek Malan sentenced Alnaji to one year in county jail and two years of felony probation for the killing — a lenient outcome that has sparked outrage from prosecutors and Kessler’s family.
The sentence followed Alnaji’s guilty plea to involuntary manslaughter and battery with enhancements. Prosecutors and the Kessler family had pushed for prison time, arguing it failed to reflect the severity of the crime or deter future violence at protests. Yet the judge followed the plea deal framework he had indicated earlier.
As a naturalized citizen who held both U.S. and Jordanian passports, Alnaji benefited from America’s generous immigration system. Public records do not disclose exactly when or how he naturalized — details typically buried in USCIS files. Was everything above board? Did he fully disclose his background, affiliations, or views during the process?
Given the circumstances of this case, concerned Americans have every right to ask:
When did Alnaji become a U.S. citizen?
What did his naturalization application and interview reveal?
Were there any red flags that should have been scrutinized more closely?
Calls for Review: The Kessler family, pro-Israel advocates, and citizens committed to the rule of law should consider:
Filing detailed tips with USCIS regarding potential issues in the naturalization process.
Encouraging congressional oversight into how such cases are handled.
Supporting broader efforts to ensure naturalization is granted — and retained — only for those who truly embrace American values.
Paul Kessler
Paul Kessler stood up for Israel and Jewish safety just weeks after the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. His death should not be minimized by a light sentence or forgotten in debates about citizenship accountability.America must ensure its immigration system does not reward those who bring violence to our streets. The Alnaji case is a stark reminder why rigorous vetting — and mechanisms like denaturalization for fraud or serious crimes — matter. What You Can Do
Contact your elected representatives and urge review of naturalization integrity.
Support victims’ rights organizations and groups tracking antisemitic incidents.
Share verified facts about the case to counter narratives that downplay the killing.
Does Paul Kessler's killer, Loay Alnaji's short sentence suit the circumstance? L.A atty James Blatt
JewTube.Info will continue following this story and related issues of justice, immigration, and security. Stay tuned for updates.
This is a landmark case: the first Jewish-American family bereaved by an immigrant-Muslim, anti-Israel protester is now being delivered a second injustice. An L.A. judge's light sentence for Mr. Loay Alnaji will not deter further Muslim violence against Jewish people on American soil. Sentencing is set for June 25. The public might still be able to influence the judge — write the court today and demand the maximum sentence. (See the end of the article).
Paul Kessler stood up for the Israeli victims massacred by Hamas 4-weeks after Oct. 7, '23 before being struck to his death by Loay Alnaji
Just 29 days after the October 7, 2023 Hamas massacre, the Islamic Society of Simi Valley — from an area with too few Jews to annoy locally — deliberately returned to the more Jewish neighborhood of Thousand Oaks where they antagonized residents and incited people against their Jewish neighbors. It was during that protest that Loay Alnaji struck Paul Kessler in the face with a megaphone. The coroner found marks on Kessler’s face consistent with the blow. Mr. Kessler fell, incurred fatal head trauma, and passed within 8 hours.
Hal Eisner, KTTV (2023): “Paul Kessler was murdered for the simple act of carrying an Israeli flag.” A student at the scene also reported hearing: “we need to kill you all… you’re not belonging here.”
The public has been eagerly anticipating trial. Instead, on May 5, 2026, Mr. Alnaji entered a guilty plea to involuntary manslaughter. Defense attorney Ron Bamieh revealed that Judge Derek Malan — who only took over the case after original Judge Ryan Wright died at age 53 in September 2025 — offered Alnaji up to 365 days in county jail plus 3 years formal probation after several private meetings with the defense attorney alone. Bamieh told reporters it was merely “two old guys had a dispute and an accident happened.”
Loay Alnaji, carrying the bullhorn he used to strike Paul Kessler, accompanied by Nashat Mshaiel from the Islamic Society of Simi Valley.
This bypassed normal protocol in which plea negotiations are conducted by the District Attorney with input from the victim’s family. The Ventura County DA’s office and Paul Kessler’s family strongly objected, yet their position was overruled. Sentencing is scheduled for June 25, 2026. Importantly, even the “up to 365 days” in county jail is highly discretionary. At the June 25 sentencing, Judge Malan can — and often does in Ventura County — reduce actual jail time dramatically through credits, good behavior, work release, or other considerations. It is entirely possible Alnaji could serve only a few days, a few weeks, or even be released the same day with time served.
This is the predictable outcome of a system in a city that refuses to treat Islamist antisemitic violence with the seriousness it deserves.
Look at the clear pattern of antisemitic crimes suffered by Los Angeles' Jews in recent years:
UCLA Encampment (Spring 2024): Over 200 arrests, but the only two people actually prosecuted were Jewish pro-Israel counter-protesters.
2020 BLM attacks on Jewish stores (Beverly Blvd, Fairfax Blvd, Pico Blvd): Numerous Jewish-owned businesses were smashed, looted, and robbed, many with explicit antisemitic targeting. Virtually zero meaningful prosecutions or sentences.
Adas Torah Synagogue riot (June 2024): Muslims rioted and battered Jews outside the synagogue. Zero reported prosecutions or sentences for the attackers.
Yet in Paul Kessler’s case — the first prominent killing of a Jewish-American by a Muslim anti-Israel demonstrator — it wasn't just an “accident between two old guys.” The eyewitnesses tell a very different story.
Jon Oswaks (eyewitness, standing with Rabbi Mark Blazer): “They tried with me first… they stalked us before this happened… they had it out for you 100%. Paul was holding his cell phone when Alnaji punched him with a megaphone… it was shown in court that it wasn’t self-defense.”
Rabbi Mark Blazer at the 1-year vigil (Nov 2024): “...on the anniversary of his murder we're calling on the DA in Ventura County... to make sure that those who perpetrated this act of hate, this act of violence are brought to Justice. It’s incumbent on our community to exercise Justice, to practice mercy and Justice, to help create peace, to help create shalom.”
Dor Shachar (Gaza-raised, now Jewish): “Muhammad came with the Quran… he slaughtered children, cut off their heads… exactly what he did on October 7… The Jew and the Nazarene — cut him into tiny pieces… The Jews in Gaza gave them money and treated them in hospitals… and on October 7 they slaughtered them.”
Rabbi Zvi Block (sitting with Jonathan Oswaks): “One man in a rage picked up an instrument and struck another man, and that striking caused his death… Our judicial system is insane if it gives only four years. This man should sit many years. This is a model case for Muslims across the world to see what Jews will do and what the court will do. I want 500 Jews in front of that courthouse on the sentencing day. Let the media take notice.”
Never Again is not a slogan — it is an imperative. If we allow this targeted killing of a Jewish man holding an Israeli flag to be reduced to a mere “accident,” with the killer potentially serving only a tiny fraction of an already lenient sentence while he continues to collect a paycheck, we betray Paul Kessler and send a clear message that Jewish lives are disposable.
Paul Kessler’s blood cries out from the ground in Thousand Oaks. Let it not cry in vain.
Rabbi Meir Kahane – The absence of deterrence has deadly consequences.
How to Contact the Court – Demand Real Justice Before June 25
Note: Ventura County does not provide public email addresses for case correspondence. Please use the official contact forms or send physical letters so they become part of the official court record.
Priority
Where to Send
Why
Contact Details
Best
Ventura County District Attorney’s Office
They prosecute the case and submit impact statements to the judge
Phone: (805) 654-2500
Address: 800 S. Victoria Ave, Ventura, CA 93009 → Online Contact Form
Very Good
Ventura County Probation Agency
They prepare the official Pre-Sentence Report that Judge Malan will read
Phone: (805) 654-2106
Address: 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA 93009 → Online Contact Form
Good
Court Clerk – Hon. Derek Malan
Letter goes into the official court file that the judge will see
Ventura County Superior Court
800 South Victoria Avenue
Ventura, CA 93009
Re: People v. Loay Abdel Fattah Alnaji
Strong Sample Letter (Customize and Send)
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Email]
[Phone]
[Date]
Honorable Derek D. Malan
Ventura County Superior Court
800 South Victoria Avenue
Ventura, CA 93009
Re: People v. Loay Abdel Fattah Alnaji – Sentencing June 25, 2026
Dear Judge Malan,
This is a landmark case: the first Jewish-American family bereaved by a Muslim immigrant anti-Israel protester. A light sentence in this case will not deter further Muslim violence against Jewish people.
I respectfully urge the Court to impose the maximum sentence allowed by law.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
It might be useful to send copies to both the DA’s Office and Probation. The more voices raised before June 25, the better the chance for real justice.
Keshet Chaim Dance Ensemble celebrate "Israel at 78" Ceremony in L.A. April 30, 2026
Rabbi David Baron, concerned about media mischaracterizations increasing anti-Jewish hostilities around the world, celebrated Israel's Independence at Bev. Hills Temple of the Arts
Senior Rabbi David Baron of Beverly Hills Temple of the Arts, greeted a large, mixed audience commemorating Israel's 78th Independence Day. Speaking from the podium he declared, "We're guardians also because we guard the special relationship between our United States of America and the state of Israel. And and we've been doing that for a long time since Israel's founding and before.
And what's truly remarkable, if you need any proof, can there be a better proof than the American forces and the Israeli forces fighting shoulder to shoulder to destroy the horrific Iranian regime.
You know, we're guardians together as Jews, as fellow Jews."
Rabbi Baron continued, "But we must not forget we also have friends who are fellow guardians - our brothers and sisters in the many numerous Christian communities who support Israel. Tonight, I welcome everyone here to our our beautiful home, this Temple of the Arts Saban Theater, we're having all of you here to celebrate. I want to acknowledge my friend, Bishop Juan Carlos Mendes, who represents 2,000 Christian churches who stand with Israel."
"Churches in Action's" Bishop Juan Carlos Mendez at service for Israeli Memorial Day '25
"Churches in Action" leader Bishop Juan Carlos Mendez, attending an Israeli Memorial Day ceremony last year told us, "It's always very interesting to to see how Hamas plays this card of being victims after they are the aggressor. And it's very sad to see how the double standard that we that we have - that that we have one one standard for Israel - which is so high with morals and ethics - and yet we have no standard for Hamas. They can do whatever they want and yet they're still depicted as the victims."
Yisrael Bachar, Israeli Consul General to S.W. USA
Israeli Consul General to the Southwest US, Yisrael Bachar told JNS correspondent Aaron Bandler, "Well, it's exciting to see a lot of people who are working hard to support the state of Israel coming again tonight to celebrate 78th Anniversary for the state of Israel, our Independence Day. Truly, it's remarkable to see the community coming time after time, helping time after time, cooperating and putting effort, time and money with us to do these events. I think that shows the beauty and the bond between the diaspora and their care for the state of Israel. And definitely this bond that's what keeps us strong, relevant and the good and special relationship between Israel and America and this relationship is the most important to the State of Israel."
"Given like what's going on in the Middle East right now and you know of course earlier this week you know the assault of the Jewish man at nearby Congregation Adas Torah. I'm going to speak about anti-semitism tonight. It's unfortunate and definitely we need to demand more from the authorities to do more against anti-semitic actions that happens here and occurs here in LA. The only way to fight it is twofold. one, more Jewish education, and two, more aggressive law enforcement."
At a time of renewed war pressure on Israeli civilians, Magen David Adom remains the emergency network that runs toward the blast sites, supplies the nation’s blood, and helps hold Israel’s civilian resilience together.
By Scott Jacobs | JooTube.TV
As Israel faces renewed rocket and missile attacks, the country’s civilian first responders are once again being pushed to the front lines.
When missiles hit homes, apartment blocks, or public gathering places, the people rushing toward the destruction are often paramedics and volunteers from Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency medical service.
“While Israelis stay in shelters, the men and women of Magen David Adom run out of the shelters toward the buildings that were hit.”
— Uri Shacham Video: 8:21–8:48
At the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Nashville in February, I spoke with Uri Shacham, Chief of Staff of Magen David Adom, about what MDA actually does, how it prepares for wartime mass-casualty events, and why its role has become even more critical as Israel confronts escalating regional threats.
More Than Ambulances
Magen David Adom is often described abroad as Israel’s version of the Red Cross. But that shorthand barely captures its real function. In practice, MDA serves as Israel’s nationwide ambulance service, a central pillar of its blood services system, a humanitarian network, and a mass-casualty response force all at once.
“Magen David Adom is Israel’s emergency services system. In practical words, it is the ambulance service for the entire State of Israel — but it is also the national blood service supplying hospitals and the IDF.”
— Uri Shacham Video: 0:18–0:44
Shacham explained that MDA collects more than 250,000 units of blood annually, processes those units, and distributes them to hospitals throughout Israel. The Israel Defense Forces also rely on blood supplied through MDA’s system. In wartime, that function becomes indispensable, because rapid access to blood can directly reduce mortality for critically wounded soldiers and civilians alike.
Israel's Red Cross, Magen David Adom's Chief Uri Shacham, shows stats of their operation
MDA also operates across the full social fabric of Israeli life. Shacham stressed that there is no discrimination in its lifesaving mission, whether in blood services, volunteering, or emergency treatment. In the field, the patient comes first.
“It’s not uncommon to see an ambulance with a Muslim, a Christian, and a Jew as one team… because the only thing that matters is the person who needs help.”
— Uri Shacham Video: 1:55–2:34
A Nationwide Network of Lifesavers
According to Shacham, MDA operates roughly 2,000 ambulances, about 200 ambulance stations, and more than 3,000 emergency vehicles in all. It is supported by nearly 40,000 people, the overwhelming majority of them volunteers.
One of the most important innovations in MDA’s model is the motorcycle fleet. These medics can cut through traffic and reach patients before an ambulance does, allowing treatment to begin in the earliest minutes of a crisis.
“The motorcycles rush through traffic and arrive first to the scene, allowing the paramedic to begin treatment before the ambulance even arrives.”
— Uri Shacham Video: 3:27–4:21
The Protected Blood Center That Came Online After October 7
Among the most consequential projects MDA undertook was the creation of a secure blood services center capable of operating during wartime. With the help of American donors, that vision became the Marcus National Blood Services Center, much of it built underground for security.
“When Israel needed a secure blood compound after the atrocities of October 7th, the new blood center became operational two days later and provided what the soldiers and the injured needed most.”
— Uri Shacham Video: 5:22–6:06
According to Shacham, the facility became fully operational on October 9, 2023, just two days after the October 7 atrocities. That meant that when Israel suddenly needed a secure, high-capacity blood operation under wartime conditions, MDA was ready.
“Magen David Adom is much more than an ambulance service… it is the backbone of Israel’s resilience.”
— Uri Shacham Video: 6:24–6:46
Missiles, Mass Casualty, and the Scale of Threat
Shacham drew a sharp distinction between the kind of rockets long fired from Gaza or by Hezbollah and the much larger destructive potential of Iranian ballistic missiles. The scale of the threat changes the emergency burden dramatically for first responders.
“An Iranian missile carries at least a thousand pounds of explosives — like a bus full of explosives falling from the sky.”
— Uri Shacham Video: 7:53–8:18
“While all the Israelis stay in the shelter, Magen David Adom people run out of the shelter… toward that whole block that collapsed when the missile hit.”
— Uri Shacham Video: 8:21–8:48
Preparing Now, Not Later
Shacham said MDA has been expanding ambulance readiness, stocking vehicles, increasing training, conducting surprise drills, and improving coordination with the IDF. That preparation is based on the understanding that if a major escalation comes, it may come suddenly.
“We don’t know when it will happen, but we understand that it will. So it’s not a matter of if — it’s a matter of when.”
— Uri Shacham Video: 9:44–10:17
How Supporters Abroad Can Help
Magen David Adom relies heavily on donations to expand its fleet, acquire medical equipment, strengthen blood services, train paramedics, and prepare for large-scale emergencies.
“When you support Magen David Adom, you support Israel.”
— Uri Shacham Video: 12:29–12:38
What Shacham describes is a model of national resilience built not only on military defense but also on civilian response. In Israel, where threats can emerge with little warning, Magen David Adom remains one of the institutions that makes ordinary life possible.
That is why MDA’s importance rises every time the war reaches deeper into civilian life. It is not merely there after tragedy. It is one of the reasons more people survive it.
In an exhibition game, Team Israel held a 2-1 lead over the NY Mets in the 8th inning
A fan's TeamIsrael T-shirt carictacures Kevin Youkilis in Jew Crew's center spot
Against the backdrop of an ongoing war in the Middle East, rising antisemitism around the world, and the weight of collective Jewish identity, Team Israel arrived in South Florida to compete in the 2026 World Baseball Classic — and they are not just here to play ball. From the stands at Clover Park to the concourses of Miami, a clear message is emerging from team executives, federation officials, and fans alike: Israel's presence at this tournament carries meaning far beyond the diamond.
In conversations at the tournament venues across South Florida, team executives and federation officials shared what this moment means — for the players, for the diaspora, and for the sport itself in Israel.
"The Name on the Front": On Jewish Pride and Resilience
Jason Pressberg, U.S. Operations Managing Director for Team Israel, was candid and passionate when asked what it means for Israel to compete during such a fraught moment in Jewish history. His answer centered on a single word: resilience.
"The Jewish people, thank God, are tremendously resilient. Israel is going through a tremendously challenging time and yet the Jewish people continue to celebrate — people are getting married, having babies, life is continuing even from the Israeli bunker."
Jason Pressberg on resilience — 0:23 to 0:56
Pressberg described the unique composition of Team Israel, noting that the roster is built largely of American Jews with Israeli citizenship — including star pitcher Dean Kramer of the Baltimore Orioles, who has two Israeli parents. But it is the spirit of the enterprise, he said, that defines it.
"In professional sports, you place the name on the back — you're enriching yourself. With Team Israel, it's always about the name on the front. You care so deeply about representing Israel and the global Jewish people who truly are one united family."
Pressberg on the team's identity — 2:10 to 2:30
Pressberg acknowledged the difficult competitive landscape Team Israel faces in what he called the "pool of death" — matched against the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, the Netherlands, and Nicaragua, each a formidable baseball nation. The Dominicans and Venezuelans, he noted, field rosters that resemble MLB All-Star teams.
"We think there's a real opportunity to beat the Nicaraguans like we did in 2023, compete against the Netherlands, and hopefully sneak one through on either the Dominicans or the Venezuelans and make our way into the next stage."
Pressberg on competitive expectations — 4:56 to 5:31
Looking beyond the WBC, Pressberg set his sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where baseball is returning as an event. Team Israel qualified for the 2021 Tokyo Games — one of just six nations worldwide to do so — and is determined to return. He described the organization's long-term mission as one of cultural connection and nation-building through sport, growing the game among Israeli children even as rockets fall.
"This national team is really about Jewish pride and facing growing antisemitism head on. There's no better way than succeeding on the base path, playing at the highest level with Israel across your chest and with a heavy but determined and resilient heart."
Pressberg on antisemitism and purpose — 6:07 to 6:24
"We Flew Here to Play Baseball," Attracting Support as Athletic Competitors, Whatever Our Circumstances
TeamIsrael's bench coach, Kevin Youkilis revealed his yarmulke during singing of Hatikvah in this clip shared by fan, Ari Ackerman. Youkilis said, "It's not just about Israel- it's about the Jewish community all over the world!"
At Clover Park in South Florida, David Friesem — a U.S.-based executive with Team Israel — offered a notably different perspective. Where Pressberg spoke of symbolism and pride, Friesem drew a firm line between sport and politics.
"I think it's wrong to connect politics and baseball. We planned this way in advance. It's really important for the sport in Israel. So we come here, we play baseball, and then we go home and deal with our trouble."
David Friesem on separating sport from politics — 0:06 to 0:43
Friesem acknowledged the personal weight of the moment — noting he has family in Israel navigating hard times — while maintaining that the WBC commitment was made long before the current conflict escalated. For him, the tournament's importance is fundamentally about sport development.
"From overseas, there's a lot of support — from various federations, Jewish federations, Christian federations. We're based on donations from abroad. So it's very important that we make a good impression here and people feel that we're growing."
Friesem on international support for Israeli baseball — 0:46 to 1:04
Friesem's remarks underscore an important operational reality: the Israeli baseball program runs on philanthropic support from abroad, making tournaments like the WBC not just athletic showcases but critical fundraising and visibility platforms. A strong showing — or even a respectable one — translates directly into sustained interest and donations.
"Peaceful Approach": ex-I.A.B. President Dr. Jordy Alter on Sports Diplomacy and Grassroots Growth
Perhaps the most evocative interview came from Dr. Jordy Alter, the immediate past President of the Israel Association of Baseball ("I.A.B.") a — the federation that governs the sport on the ground in Israel itself. Speaking from the WBC venue, Dr. Alter framed Team Israel's participation in explicitly diplomatic terms.
"It's an incredible opportunity for us as a team representing Israel to share with the world the peaceful approach that the Jewish people have towards the world — and this is reflected in sports. To be representative of the country of Israel at a time like this gives tremendous strength to our friends and families back home, and also to all Jews all around the diaspora."
Israel Association of Baseball executive on sports diplomacy — 0:01 to 0:40
He went on to describe the scope of baseball in Israel today — a sport that has grown from a niche American import into an organized national program with over a thousand young players competing in six levels of leagues across the country, from the south to the north.
"The Israel Association of Baseball runs leagues in Israel from ages six and up. We have six different levels of leagues, over a thousand kids playing all over the country — from the south up to the north."
On baseball's grassroots growth in Israel — 0:44 to 0:58
Three Voices, One Team
What emerges from these three conversations is a portrait of an organization navigating multiple identities at once. Team Israel is a competitive baseball program with serious athletic ambitions — gunning for the next round of the WBC and eyeing the 2028 Olympics. It is also a fundraising enterprise dependent on diaspora goodwill and international federation support. And it is, inescapably, a symbol: of Jewish endurance, of Israel's presence on the world stage, and of the complicated, sometimes contradictory relationship between sport and geopolitics.
TeamIsrael fan sports a team cap and a clever"Matzo Ball'er" t-shirt
Pressberg wears that symbolism proudly and speaks of it freely. Friesem prefers to compartmentalize, insisting that baseball is baseball and the war is the war. The Israeli federation executive threads a middle path — acknowledging the moment's weight while framing the team's participation as an act of peaceful engagement with the world.
Together, they represent a microcosm of how diaspora and Israeli Jews are processing an extraordinarily difficult chapter — not in spite of the game, but through it.
Update: Team Israel finished Pool D with a 2-2 record, defeating Nicaragua and the Netherlands before falling to Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. While the result ended their run in the 2026 Classic, the finish was sufficient to maintain their qualification status — ensuring Team Israel will return to the next World Baseball Classic, scheduled for 2029.
Videos produced by JewTube.Info. Interviews conducted at Clover Park and in Miami, South Florida, March 2026, during World Baseball Classic pre-tournament activity.
