Anti-Israel protester gets wrist-slap for trying to ID ‘Zionists' on packed NYC subway train

Yahoo

06-02-2025

An anti-Israel protester got a slap on the wrist for allegedly barging onto a packed Manhattan subway train last summer and demanding 'Zionists' identify themselves — a legal outcome that left Jewish advocacy groups outraged.
Anas Saleh, 24, will have his disorderly conduct charge tossed if he completes four hours of community service at a Jewish organization and attends an anti-bias course for his alleged threatening behavior, the Manhattan District Attorney's Office confirmed Wednesday.
Saleh was also initially facing coercion and attempted coercion charges, but those have already been dismissed by a judge because of 'facial insufficiency,' prosecutors said in court.
The DA's office agreed with providing Saleh the opportunity to rid himself of the final charge after speaking with the complaining witness and 'considering the defendant's lack of a criminal history.'
Prosecutors also noted that Saleh completed 'a program mandated by his employer.'
Liora Rez, the founder of the StopAntisemitism advocacy group, slammed the court's decision.
'A mere four hours of community service and an anti-bias course for blatant antisemitic harassment? This is not justice — it's a disgrace,' Rez told The Post in a statement.
'Anas Saleh's threats against fellow passengers on the NYC subway warranted real consequences, yet he walks away with a slap on the wrist. This weak response sends a dangerous message: antisemitism is tolerated,' Rex wrote, adding, 'We demand accountability, not appeasement.'
Community Security Initiative, a group dedicated to protect and enhance the security of Jewish communities and institutions in the New York City metro area, is also calling out the state for what they say are weak hate crime laws.
'We are deeply concerned that New York's current hate crime laws do not classify Mr. Saleh's actions as a hate crime. His conduct was not merely an exercise of constitutionally protected free speech,' the Community of Security Initiative said in statement to The Post.
'He deliberately used the term 'Zionist' in the same way that haters use other prosecutable words of hate. We call on the New York State Legislature to update existing laws to accurately reflect the hate involved in such cases and ensure that perpetrators face appropriate consequences,' the statement continued.
Saleh, of Staten Island, allegedly screamed, 'Raise your hand if you're a Zionist. This is your chance to get out,' after boarding a subway car at Union Square station on June 10.
Protests at Union Square on that hectic night included banners reading 'Long Live October 7' and rabid anti-Israel demonstrators yelling things pro-Hitler sentiments.
The hate-fueled incident upset not only activists but also Mayor Eric Adams.
'Threatening New Yorkers based on their beliefs is not only vile, it's illegal and will not be tolerated. Let this be a lesson to all those who think they can act illegally and then hide: The NYPD will find you and charge you in accordance with the law,' Adams said at the time.
Saleh was initially facing up to a year in prison if convicted on the coercion charge.
Saleh will be performing his community service at the Congregation Beit Simchat Torah, a pro-gay Jewish organization.