Photo credit: www.foxnews.com
Families of Israeli Hostages Take Legal Action Against Columbia University Protest Organizers
The families of Israeli hostages have initiated a lawsuit against Mahmoud Khalil and several other individuals associated with Columbia University for their alleged roles in promoting Hamas propaganda on campus.
Filed in the Southern District of New York, the lawsuit targets Khalil, recognized as a key figure in Columbia University Apartheid Divest and a spokesperson for the “Gaza Solidarity Encampment.” The suit also names Nerdeen Kiswani, co-founder of Within Our Lifetime; Maryam Alwan, representing Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine; and Cameron Jones from Columbia-Barnard Jewish Voice for Peace.
The complaint contends that these individuals function as “Hamas’ propaganda arm” in New York City and specifically on Columbia’s campus, a claim the lawsuit emphasizes by stating, “We know this because they advertise themselves as such.” It describes their actions as having included acts of intimidation against Jewish students, unlawful occupation, and property damage on university grounds.
The lawsuit further alleges that the defendants operate anonymously while collectively intimidating others, stating, “This case will pull down those scarves and unveil acts that violate this country’s antiterrorism laws.” The plaintiffs argue that the time has come for American university environments to refocus on educational objectives rather than being influenced by extremist ideologies.
The plaintiffs represent victims affected by Hamas’ ongoing activities, particularly since the violent events of October 7, 2023, which marked one of the most tragic days for the Jewish community in recent history. Among those involved are six family members of hostages currently held in Gaza, as well as individuals like Iris Weinstein Haggai whose parents were killed in the conflict. Three soldiers from the Israel Defense Forces are also involved in the lawsuit.
Anat Alon-Beck, a professor of law affiliated with the National Jewish Advocacy Center (NJAC), commented on the broader implications of the lawsuit, stating, “While the U.S. cherishes free expression, it unequivocally condemns violence. Ironically, those who champion such support would be silenced under Hamas’ oppressive regime, starkly illustrating the contrast between our cherished freedoms and their brutal tyranny.”
Nerdeen Kiswani has been actively involved in protests against Israel, recently rallying outside notable locations in New York City.
Mark Goldfeder, CEO of NJAC, stressed that while the United States values the right to advocate freely, this freedom does not extend to actions involving violence or intimidation. “The right to advocate is broadly construed in the U.S., but it does not encompass acts such as vandalism or physical intimidation, nor does it support providing material support for terrorism,” he emphasized.
Arielle F. Klepach, a former federal prosecutor and current Senior Litigation Counsel at NJAC, noted that this lawsuit represents an unprecedented effort to seek accountability from those responsible for disturbances at Columbia University. “As a Columbia alumna, the open support for terrorism has been disturbing to witness,” she expressed, highlighting the lawsuit’s potential to initiate consequences for such actions.
This legal action is likely to spark further discussions on the intersections of activism, free speech, and national security within educational institutions.
Source
www.foxnews.com