NYC Antisemitic Attacker: A Cause for Anti-Israel Activists?

Tarek Bazrouk, a 20-year-old New York resident, pleaded guilty to assaulting three Jews in antisemitic attacks. His actions, however, have sparked a surprising reaction. Various anti-Israel activist groups, including National Students for Justice in Palestine, are campaigning for a lenient sentence.

They claim Bazrouk is a “political prisoner,” targeted for his activism supporting Palestinian liberation. These groups have launched letter-writing campaigns, collected donations exceeding $5,000 for Bazrouk’s commissary, and circulated petitions with nearly 2,000 signatures urging his release.

<img src="https://static-cdn.toi-media.com/www/uploads/2025/01/20250121_untitled_02399.jpg" alt="Anti-Israel activists protest outside Columbia University">

Bazrouk's Attacks:

• April 2024: Scuffled with pro-Israel demonstrators, kicking a Jewish student.
• December 2024: Snatched an Israeli flag, punching one of the Jewish owners.
• January 2025: Jostled a Jewish counter-protester and punched him.

All attacks occurred during anti-Israel protests. Bazrouk admitted to targeting the victims due to their perceived Jewish or Israeli identity.

Evidence of Antisemitism:

The Justice Department’s statement revealed Bazrouk self-identified as a “Jew hater,” using hateful language and making threats in texts and social media posts. He also posted a video of a Jewish child, urging followers to harm him.

Bazrouk's Sentence:

He faces up to five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. His sentencing is scheduled for October 1st. The case highlights the complexities surrounding hate crimes and activism, raising questions about the line between political expression and violence.