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A recent lawsuit filed in the Southern District of New York accuses leaders of several radical anti-Israel organizations of participating in violent protests that targeted Jewish communities. The suit asserts that these leaders bear responsibility for aiding Hamas and its ongoing acts of terrorism, violating both the Antiterrorism Act and the Alien Tort Statute.
The plaintiffs allege that the defendants acted as the foot soldiers for Hamas in New York City, indicating that they might have had prior knowledge of the terrorist organization’s devastating attacks on October 7. The main parties implicated in the lawsuit include Within Our Lifetime and its founder Nerdeen Kiswani, alongside representatives from Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine, Columbia-Barnard Jewish Voice for Peace, and Columbia University Apartheid Divest.
Specifically, the suit claims that these groups not only disseminated propaganda linked to Hamas but also incited violence and fear while directly targeting Jewish individuals. They are accused of physically attacking Columbia University staff and damaging both public and private property in the process.
The details presented in the lawsuit are compelling and thorough. It cites instances in which the defendants allegedly responded to calls to action from Hamas after the October 7 attacks. The lawsuit presents evidence that the organizations were involved in obtaining and promoting propaganda documents from Hamas, which outlined strategies for manipulating narratives surrounding the attacks.
Additionally, the case highlights a social media post made by Columbia SJP shortly before the October 7 assault, which stated, ‘We are back!!’ suggesting a planned resurgence in their activities. On the same day, Kiswani used promotional materials that were not scheduled for release until the following day, indicating advanced preparation for the event.
In the aftermath of the October 7 attacks, Within Our Lifetime organized a so-called ‘Day of Rage’ in New York City, while Columbia SJP and Columbia JVP called for their own ‘Day of Resistance.’ These activities reportedly forced the closure of several Jewish institutions and prompted Columbia University to shut down its campus as a security measure.
The lawsuit places a spotlight on Khalil, asserting that he was a key figure in organizing Columbia SJP’s Day of Resistance. A separate event titled ‘Shut it Down for Palestine’ escalated into a hostile atmosphere, where anti-Jewish sentiments were openly expressed. Reports from the event noted phrases such as ‘Death to Jews!’ directed at Jewish students.
Following the incident, Columbia University addressed the rising tensions by suspending both Columbia SJP and Columbia JVP. The lawsuit further alleges that Khalil and other members of Columbia SJP took leadership roles in Columbia University Apartheid Divest, becoming central figures in a movement that allegedly disrupted campus life for over a year.
Khalil’s role continued to evolve as he eventually became the lead negotiator for a major encampment organized by CUAD, which demonstrated significant logistical support, raising suspicions regarding its funding sources. Testimony from Shlomi Ziv, a plaintiff who was held captive by Hamas, suggests that the terrorist organization coordinated efforts with American groups, inferring that Hamas has operatives on college campuses.
The legal framework surrounding this lawsuit distinguishes between valid political advocacy and active collaboration with a designated terrorist organization. The plaintiffs contend that the actions of the defendants represent a clear violation of the Antiterrorism Act and applicable international laws.
The National Jewish Advocacy Center, along with several law firms, filed this suit on behalf of a diverse group of plaintiffs, including not only Ziv but also various Columbia students and American citizens connected to individuals detained by Hamas.
The lawsuit specifically alleges that Khalil has coordinated directly with entities closely aligned with Hamas, including the American Muslims for Palestine and other affiliates. His detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement may have stemmed from his activities as described within the lawsuit.
The legal proceedings surrounding Khalil have drawn attention as they coincide with his alleged connections to protests at Columbia University. A recent court ruling indicated that his involvement in these protests warranted his potential deportation due to nondisclosure of significant past associations when applying for immigration relief.
Amid increasing tensions and disruptive events within New York City, recent incidents highlight a significant rise in unrest. Protests at Columbia University and Barnard College have led to confrontations, while other demonstrations have disrupted daily activities in prominent areas such as Grand Central Station.
Fox News Digital reached out for comments from the implicated groups, including CUAD, Columbia SJP, Within Our Lifetime, and Columbia-Barnard JVP, but did not receive any response regarding the allegations raised in the lawsuit.
The outcome of this case may set important legal precedents concerning the boundaries of political activism in relation to recognized terrorist organizations. Stakeholders closely following this case will undoubtedly consider its implications for accusations of antisemitism and the rights of student groups on college campuses.
