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A recent lawsuit filed in the Southern District of New York alleges that leaders of various anti-Israel activist groups are responsible for facilitating the actions of Hamas amid a series of violent protests over the past 18 months in New York City.
The lawsuit claims these individuals violated the Antiterrorism Act and the Alien Tort Statute by acting as “foot soldiers” for Hamas and potentially possessing prior knowledge of the organization’s attacks on October 7.
The defendants include the group Within Our Lifetime, founded by Nerdeen Kiswani, alongside Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), represented by Maryam Alwan, Columbia-Barnard Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) with representative Cameron Jones, and Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD), represented by Mahmoud Khalil, who is currently detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The suit charges these organizations with spreading Hamas propaganda, instigating fear and violence, and disrupting major academic and economic centers in New York City. It also claims they have engaged in assaults against Jewish individuals and vandalism of public and private property.
Allegations of Coordination with Hamas
The accusations are outlined in detail, suggesting that the defendants actively responded to a call to action from Hamas following the October 7 attacks. The lawsuit states they disseminated a propaganda document from Hamas, which included directives on framing the narrative of those violent actions. It argues that by adhering to these instructions, the defendants were effectively acting on orders from the terrorist organization.
Evidence presented indicates that the defendants might have anticipated the October attacks, including a social media post made shortly before the events commenced. On that day, Kiswani used promotional materials designated for release on a later date in a toolkit for the National Students for Justice in Palestine, illustrating how SJP chapters nationwide could support the Palestinian “resistance.”
Impact of Subsequent Protests
Following October 7, Within Our Lifetime organized a “Day of Rage” in New York City, with Columbia SJP and JVP promoting a “Day of Resistance.” These events led to the closure of Jewish schools and institutions, and prompted security concerns at Columbia University, which locked down its campus as a precaution.
In the wake of these incidents, Khalil was identified as a leader during Columbia’s Day of Resistance. A November event labeled “Shut it Down for Palestine” reportedly devolved into intense anti-Jewish rhetoric. This led to the temporary suspension of Columbia SJP and JVP and saw members transitioning to lead CUAD, which became a primary organizer of antisemitic protests that disrupted university life for an extended period.
Legal Implications
According to the lawsuit, there exists a clear legal distinction between genuine political advocacy and actions aligned with a foreign terrorist organization, arguing that the defendants’ activities breach both the Antiterrorism Act and international law.
The suit, initiated by the National Jewish Advocacy Center and several law firms, represents a coalition of plaintiffs that includes Ziv, who was previously held captive by Hamas, as well as Columbia students familiar with military service in Israel, alongside families of individuals believed to be detained by Hamas.
Continued Unrest in New York
The lawsuit asserts that Khalil might have direct links to Hamas and that his detention by ICE could be related to the actions outlined in the complaint. His history of withholding significant information during his green card application process could contribute to legal ramifications, leading to a potential deportation.
Recent events indicate that tensions in New York remain high, with reports of student-led disruptions at Columbia University and protests at various locations, including Grand Central Station.
Efforts to solicit comments from organizations involved in the lawsuit have gone unanswered, highlighting the ongoing complexities surrounding these protests and the allegations at hand.
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