A New York man, Tarek Bazrouk, was sentenced to 17 months in prison for hate crimes after repeatedly assaulting Jewish individuals at protests related to the Israel/Hamas war between 2024 and 2025. The sentencing took place on October 28, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton stated: “Tarek Bazrouk repeatedly attacked Jewish victims at protests relating to the Israel/Hamas war. He targeted these New Yorkers based on their religion and national origin. And he was undeterred by multiple arrests following these assaults, instead quickly returning to violently targeting Jews. The prosecution of this case and the sentence imposed make clear that New Yorkers will not tolerate hate-based violence and that this Office will aggressively prosecute those who perpetrate senseless crimes of hate.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia commented: “Despite repeated arrests, Tarek Bazrouk continued to attack Jewish victims while shamelessly expressing his hatred for those of the Jewish faith and demonstrating his support for anti-Semitic terrorist organizations. Bazrouk’s relentless torment violated these New Yorkers’ ability to safely express their beliefs through protests and religious outerwear. May this sentencing highlight the FBI’s intolerance of any individual who allows hate and prejudice to justify violent rhetoric and actions against others.”
NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch said: “Tarek Bazrouk not only targeted and assaulted his victims because of their faith — he attacked every Jewish New Yorker who should be able to practice their religion freely and without fear,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “This sentencing sends a clear message: antisemitism or any act of violence driven by hate will never be tolerated in our city, and the NYPD will continue to hold accountable anyone who threatens the religious identity of New Yorkers. I thank the NYPD investigators, the FBI, and the prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their unwavering work in bringing Tarek Bazrouk to justice.”
According to court documents, over nine months Bazrouk physically assaulted three Jewish people during protests about the Israel/Hamas conflict:
– On April 15, 2024, at a protest outside the New York Stock Exchange in Lower Manhattan, Bazrouk—wearing a green headband similar to those worn by Hamas members—was arrested after lunging at pro-Israel demonstrators. While being escorted by police, he kicked a Jewish college student standing among other visibly Jewish protestors.
– On December 9, 2024, near Columbia University, Bazrouk stole an Israeli flag from one student’s brother before striking another student in the face as they tried to retrieve it.
– On January 6, 2025, near 1st Avenue and East 18th Street in Manhattan, Bazrouk punched a third victim—a person wearing visible symbols associated with Judaism—in the nose after an initial confrontation.
Investigators searched cellphones used by Bazrouk under judicial warrants and found evidence showing anti-Semitic views as well as support for groups like Hamas and Hizballah. Messages included self-identification as a “Jew hater,” derogatory language about Jews, expressions of approval regarding family members’ involvement with Hamas overseas, and various propaganda supporting organizations responsible for attacks against Jews.
In addition to prison time, Bazrouk received three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton commended both federal agents and local law enforcement agencies involved in investigating and prosecuting this case.
The Civil Rights and Human Trafficking Unit within the Criminal Division handled prosecution duties.
