Jewish activist killed, friend injured leaving prayer service

A prominent Jewish activist was killed and his friend critically injured when they were hit by a car after leaving morning services Tuesday.

Berish Landau, 88, was being helped across North La Brea Avenue at Oakwood Avenue just after 6 a.m. when he and the second man were hit by a northbound driver.

Both men were rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where authorities say Landau was later pronounced dead. The second man, 50, is said to be in critical condition.

The pair was leaving a prayer service at Bais Yehuda Mikvah, according to reports from KTLA-TV. The news channel identified the second man as Rabbi Shmuel Jacobs.

Officer Bruce Borihanh said no arrests were made after the crash.

“It was just a terrible, horrific accident,” he said.   

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-- Matt Stevens

Photo: One man was killed and another was injured crossing the street early Tuesday. Credit: KTLA-TV