Los Angeles Embraces New DA, Marking Shift in City’s Crime Policies
Los Angeles officially welcomed Nathan Hochman as its new District Attorney on Tuesday. Hochman, a longtime criminal defense attorney and former federal prosecutor, decisively overcame incumbent George Gascón in the election, fueled in part by growing community concerns about crime and a desire for a more balanced approach to criminal justice.
Hochman’s win signifies a significant shift in Los Angeles politics, particularly its stance on law enforcement. He ran as a centrist, contrasted sharply with Gascón’s progressive policies enacted during his tenure.
Hochman’s victory speech was punctuated by a poignant symbol: a yellow ribbon pinned to his suit. “It’s a constant reminder of the hostages still held captive in Gaza,” he explained in a previous interview with *Jewish Insider*, highlighting the lasting impact of the October 7 attacks in Israel and the deeply personal connection to the issue within the Jewish community.
Hochman’s campaign resonated strongly with Angelenos who felt that Gascón’s policies were too lenient, particularly in the face of rising crime rates. He promised a return to prioritizing public safety, while also acknowledging the need for criminal justice reform.
“There are real problems in the system, like racism, police accountability, and exonerating wrongfully imprisoned individuals,” Hochman acknowledged. “But I believe we can bring about change without sacrificing public safety.”
Hochman’s strong stance on crime was amplified by his responsiveness to concerns within the Jewish community, particularly in light of a violent anti-Israel demonstration outside a Pico-Robertson synagogue in July. He swiftly criticized Gascón’s silence on the incident, highlighting a perceived disconnect between the incumbent DA and local Jewish voices.
Sam Yebri, a Jewish community leader who actively campaigned for Hochman, described the election as a defining moment. “The Jewish community came together to elect a strong Jewish prosecutor and reject four years of policies that felt misaligned with our needs,” he stated.
Rabbi Noah Farkas, head of the Los Angeles Jewish Federation, echoed the sentiment. “We weren’t feeling heard by Gascón. We believe Hochman will be more responsive and engaged with our concerns.”
Hochman, who boasts a diverse legal background including roles as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and a member of the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission, has outlined five key priorities for his tenure: tackling fentanyl trafficking, combatting human trafficking, addressing homelessness challenges, cracking down on organized retail crime, and reducing residential burglaries.
He emphasizes a focus on enforcement and education as tools to deter crime, stating, “People need to understand the consequences of their actions.” He applies this philosophy to antisemitism as well, advocating for both legal prosecution and concentrated efforts in education to combat hate.
“Antisemitism is complex, and it will require a multi-faceted approach to address it effectively,” Hochman asserts.
With Hochman assuming his new role in the DA’s office, Los Angeles is entering a new chapter in its approach to justice, one that puts a firmer emphasis on public safety and seeks to balance reform with accountability.
