A distraught heir of the Raisin company has been taken into custody after allegedly directing racist and anti-Semitic remarks towards his Jewish neighbors from his upscale Pacific Palisades property.
Bruce Lion, who inherited the Lion Raisins fortune, was recorded berating his neighbor, Rabbi Zushe Kunin, from the balcony of his $5.3 million mansion. The videos show him making incoherent complaints about Judaism and targeting the rabbi personally.
Kunin stated that at 64, Lion has a history of legal issues, including previous charges of making threats and illegal gun possession. He reportedly interrupted religious services, shouting slurs against both Jews and Black individuals, and made bizarre accusations about Jews being responsible for fires in the Palisades.
One of his outbursts included statements like, “You’re not going anywhere, Jew, lose weight. Go to work. Do something for a change.” He even threatened to “pull” the rabbi’s nose.
In other recordings, Lion can be heard using racial slurs repeatedly.
Kunin explained that he has dealt with Lion’s behavior since he purchased the $5.275 million mansion adjacent to the Chabad in March.
He accused Lion of interrupting a gathering at his home with offensive comments in front of children, describing it as terrifying. “I’ve never faced something like this, particularly not in front of young kids,” he said. “It’s distressing to witness this level of hate.”
Local authorities responded to multiple complaints from Kunin and others, leading to Lion’s arrest just before midnight on Friday. He is facing charges for making terroristic threats and is currently being held on a $50,000 bail.
City Council Member Tracy Parks voiced her concern, stating, “The hatred directed at the rabbi and his community is unacceptable. We appreciate the LAPD’s prompt response to keep our community safe.”
Lion has a troubling history that includes previous prison time related to criminal threats and violating a firearm ban.
He faced additional legal troubles this year, with charges for throwing rocks at cars and blocking highways in Monterey County, and was arrested again when he violated a domestic violence protection order at his ex-wife’s home.
His wealth stems from the family business, Lion Raisins, known for emphasizing its long history and experience in the industry. Recent estimates place their revenues at over $71 million, employing roughly 400 people in Fresno County.
Just before his arrest, Lion was interviewed at his mansion, where he blared Christian music—something he claimed was aimed at irritating his Jewish neighbors. “I want them to know they’re going to hell,” he said with a sense of satisfaction.
Amidst his rants, he transitioned topics, claiming conflict arose due to Kunin’s perceived belligerence, yet later downplayed the issue by indicating it was more about Kunin’s associates. “It’s not him, he’s a good person. It’s his buddies who live with him,” he stated.
As the conversation continued, he made an odd claim about the rabbi supposedly “hiding bodies” on his property. Additionally, he asked a reporter for a ride to a luxury car dealership, expressing interest in replacing a wrecked Ferrari.
On the night of his arrest, Kunin recounted that Lion had called him repeatedly, unleashing a string of profanities, concluding with an ominous, “Iran is coming to get you. You should get out.”
