Anti-Israel activists accused in lawsuit of acting as ‘Hamas’ foot soldiers’
A lawsuit filed in the Southern District of New York last month has brought to light some disturbing allegations against leaders of radical anti-Israel groups. The lawsuit claims that these groups have been involved in 18 months of disruptive, violent, and antisemitic protests on campuses and in the streets of New York City, and are “accountable for aiding and abetting Hamas’ continuing acts of international terrorism.”
The defendants named in the lawsuit include Within Our Lifetime and its founder Nerdeen Kiswani, Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and its representative Maryam Alwan, Columbia-Barnard Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) and its representative Cameron Jones, and Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) and its representative Mahmoud Khalil. Khalil is currently in custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The lawsuit alleges that these groups have acted as Hamas’ foot soldiers in New York City, distributing Hamas propaganda, inciting fear and violence, and attacking critical academic, economic, and infrastructure centers. The defendants are accused of terrorizing and assaulting Jews across New York City and on Columbia University’s campus, physically assaulting Columbia University employees, and illegally seizing and damaging public and private property.
The lawsuit provides detailed evidence to support these claims, including instances where the defendants obtained and disseminated Hamas propaganda, and closely followed instructions from Hamas. The lawsuit also suggests that the defendants may have had foreknowledge of a devastating attack by Hamas on October 7, based on social media posts and other indicators.
The lawsuit further alleges that the defendants organized events that forced closures of Jewish schools and institutions, and even caused Columbia University to close its campus as a safety precaution. The defendants are accused of promoting violence and antisemitism, including shouting “Death to Jews” and encouraging attacks on pro-Israel students.
The lawsuit also implicates Mahmoud Khalil as a leader in these activities, pointing to his involvement in organizing violent and antisemitic protests on Columbia University’s campus. Khalil’s detention by ICE in March is mentioned in the lawsuit, with federal officials suggesting that his past employment and affiliations were not disclosed when applying for a green card.
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of several plaintiffs, including Columbia University students who have served with the Israel Defense Forces, and American and Israeli citizens with family members believed to be held captive by Hamas. The plaintiffs are seeking justice for the alleged violations of the Antiterrorism Act and the law of nations.
As events in New York City continue to be disrupted by these groups, it remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold. The defendants have been contacted for comment, but have not responded. The lawsuit sheds light on the troubling activities of these radical anti-Israel groups, and seeks to hold them accountable for their actions.
