Helmann v. Code Pink, Palestinian Youth Movement - Central District of California, Case No. 2:24-cv-05704-SVW-PVC

On June 23, 2024, Helmann tried to enter the Adas Torah Synagogue but was blocked by a violent mob of anti-Israel activists. CODE PINK and COURTNEY LENNA SCHIRF, on behalf of HONOR THE EARTH d/b/a PALESTINIAN YOUTH MOVEMENT organized their Hamas supporters to target Adas Torah Synagogue on Pico Boulevard, in the heart of the Los Angeles Jewish community.

Defendants instigated the entire attack based on the absurd pretext that the Synagogue and its members could be culpable for an “international crime” of the “sale of stolen land” that was about to occur.  

They formed a mob that blocked the entrance, preventing Plaintiff and others from accessing the synagogue. They bear sprayed Jewish people and others present, including Cameron Higby and Judit Maull.

The attack was organized, publicized, aided, and funded by Code Pink and PYM, two organizations that seek to destroy the Jewish state of Israel.

Media Coverage

July 11, 2024

Jewish News Syndicate: Code Pink, Palestinian Youth Movement face lawsuit after LA protest Plaintiff Ronen Helmann detailed numerous acts of intimidation, including the threat “Slaughter the Jews.”

Judge Nap, Judging Freedom: Local Jewish Man Sues “Code Pink” Pro-Palestinian Protesters Over Synagogue Demonstration

Code Pink Statement: Over the weekend, a protest was held against the illegal sale of stolen land in Palestine.

Court Dockets

1 - Complaint against Code Pink and Palestinian Youth Movement - filed on July 7, 2024

14 - Executed Waiver of Service by Jodie Evans on behalf of CodePink Women for Peace. Response to Complaint due by September 16, 2024.

15 - First Amended Complaint by Plaintiffs Ronen Helmann, Cameron Higby, and Judit Maull against Defendants CodePink Women for Peace, Code Pink Action Fund, and Honor the Earth, Courtney Lenna Schirf, and Remo Ibrahim doing business as the Palestinian Youth Movement.

70 - Second Amended Complaint by Plaintiff Ronen Hellman on behalf of a putative class.

86 - PYM Corrected Motion to Dismiss Case Plaintiffs' Second Amended Complaint filed by defendant Palestinian Youth Movement. Motion set for hearing on 3/3/2025 at 01:30 PM before Judge Stephen V. Wilson. (Harvey, Thomas) (Entered: 01/27/2025)

88 - Code Pink Corrected MTD to Dismiss PLAINTIFF'S SECOND AMENDED CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT filed by Defendants Codepink Women for Peace, CodePink Action Fund. Motion set for hearing on 2/24/2025 at 01:30 PM before Judge Stephen V. Wilson. (Kleiman, Mark) (Entered: 01/27/2025)

89 - Opp to Honor the Earth by Plaintiff Ronen Hellman

91 - Reply by Honor the Earth

93 - Opp to PYM

94 - Opp to Code Pink

102 - Codepink Reply

105 - Order GRANTING IN PART AND DENYING IN PART DEFENDANTS' MOTIONS TO DISMISS 76 96 98 125 by Judge Stephen V. Wilson. For the foregoing reasons, Defendants' motions to dismiss are GRANTED IN PART and DENIED IN PART. Specifically, the Court DENIES Defendants' motion to dismiss Plaintiffs' FACE Act claims against CodePink. The Court GRANTS Defendants' motions to dismiss Plaintiffs' remaining claims. The dismissed claims are dismissed WITHOUT PREJUDICE. Plaintiffs are ordered to file an amended complaint within fourteen days consistent with this order. (See document for further details). (aco) (Entered: 06/13/2025)