The Bruin Theatre’s Antisemitic Operator: A Threat to Hollywood’s Rebirth?

The announcement of Rui Pereira as the new operator of the 88-year-old Bruin Theatre in Los Angeles has sparked a collective groan from the city’s Jewish community. However, it’s not just his questionable past that raises concerns – it’s also what this says about the resurgence of old hatreds.

Pereira, a Canadian exhibitor with a history of nonpayment and unlicensed screenings at Toronto venues, has been accused of making racist and antisemitic remarks on social media. His comments included references to “fake Jews,” “subhuman devils,” and “zionazis.” When questioned about these remarks, Pereira downplayed them as “distractions” from his plans to reopen the Bruin.

However, these remarks are not just harmless distractions. They’re a symptom of a deeper problem – one that threatens the Bruin’s reputation and the very fabric of our city. The Bruin, located in Westwood, is a cultural institution with a rich history and strong connections to the Jewish community.

Local Jewish organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League, the Jewish Federation Los Angeles, and the Simon Wiesenthal Center have weighed in on Pereira’s comments. They’re right to be concerned: antisemitism has no place in our city, especially at a cultural venue like the Bruin. These organizations are not just reacting out of habit; they’re responding to a real threat.

Pereira attempts to contextualize his remarks by invoking his support for Palestine and criticism of Israel. However, this attempt rings hollow when coupled with his own language – language that dehumanizes Jews and invokes Goebbels and Nazi imagery. It’s not just about criticizing Israel; it’s about perpetuating a hatred that has been rehearsed in new costume.

The Bruin’s owners, descendants of Spyros Skouras, should take notice. Their venue is one of the few remaining cultural landmarks in Hollywood, and its reopening is being hailed as a signal of the industry’s resurgence. However, if Pereira is indeed at the helm, we can expect this “resurgence” to be short-lived.

The community deserves better than an operator with such a track record. So do the employees, production staff, and moviegoers who will soon be flocking to the Bruin. It’s time for the owners to take responsibility and make a commitment to operate without bias towards any group – regardless of their religion or race.

This controversy says something about our city: we’re still grappling with old hatreds that threaten to undermine our progress. We should confront these issues head-on, rather than trying to distract ourselves from them. The Bruin Theatre’s reopening should be a moment of celebration – but only if it’s done in a spirit of inclusivity and respect.

As the city debates what this means for the Bruin, there are broader implications to consider. How do we balance free speech with the need to protect our communities from hate? What does it say about us as a society when we’re willing to tolerate – or even celebrate – such rhetoric?

This story won’t be over anytime soon. In fact, it’s just beginning, and its consequences will likely be felt for some time to come.