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Rabbi Wins Major Legal Battle Amid Anti-Israel Demonstrations
A Washington, D.C. rabbi has emerged victorious after a legal battle against anti-Israel activists who accused him of stalking. The activists have been ordered to pay $182,000 in legal fees due to their false allegations. Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld had been praying for Israeli hostages outside the Israeli embassy when the incident occurred.
Background of the Incident
On March 21, 2024, as the Jewish holiday of Purim approached, Rabbi Herzfeld visited the Israeli embassy to offer prayers for individuals taken captive by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023. He chose this location, understanding it to be the nearest semblance of Israel in the area.
Upon arrival, the embassy premises were filled with anti-Israel demonstrators, including former UN official Hazami Barmada and Teachers Against Genocide founder Atefeh Rokhvand. These activists had made it their routine to stage protests outside the embassy.
Chaos Erupts as Rabbi Prays
While the rabbi prayed for the hostages, he encountered a scene of discord as the activists shouted at him. Ms. Barmada publicly likened Herzfeld and his supporters to Nazis and deemed his presence at the embassy as absurd.
In an interview, Rabbi Herzfeld described the situation: “It was the loudest outdoor scene I’ve ever witnessed. It was unbearable, leaving me unable to concentrate on my prayers.” He emphasized the chaotic nature of the protests, characterized by loud shouting and disruptive behavior.
Allegations and Legal Actions Begin
Following the protests, the rabbi referred to the demonstrators as wicked in court filings. This escalated when Barmada, using a megaphone and wearing headphones, initiated loud sirens on the scene, which Rabbi Herzfeld claimed caused him permanent ear damage. In response, he filed a federal lawsuit against Barmada and Rokhvand.
In a surprising counteraction, the two women filed their lawsuits against Rabbi Herzfeld, alleging that he was stalking them during the protests.
Emotional Toll and Court Proceedings
The harassment did not stop with the lawsuits. During a three-day trial, Rabbi Herzfeld reported being targeted by demonstrators outside the courthouse, adding significant stress to an already tense situation. The rabbi expressed distress at the prospect of his neighbors misconstruing the police’s arrival at his home as indicative of wrongdoing.
To ease his anxiety during these proceedings, Rabbi Herzfeld turned to scripture for comfort. He recited Psalm 121, finding solace in his faith amidst the turmoil.
Judge’s Ruling and Financial Implications
The judge ultimately ruled in favor of Rabbi Herzfeld, declaring that Barmada and Rokhvand’s accusations held no merit. They were held liable for the rabbi’s legal expenses, amounting to $182,000. The judge highlighted that both parties frequently engage in constitutionally protected expressions of speech, and determined that Rabbi Herzfeld had not stalked the activists.
The ruling noted, “There is no proof that the respondent ever threatened the petitioners, nor did he follow or surveil them. His presence was solely to pray and observe the demonstrations. Any interactions were incidental.”
Reactions and Future Plans
The attorney representing Barmada and Rokhvand, Gregg Lipper, expressed intentions to appeal the ruling. He argued that serious legal errors influenced the court’s decision, claiming that the rabbi’s actions left his clients fearing for their safety.
Lipper stated, “The judgment punishes my clients for seeking justice in a time of rising threats against civil rights advocates.”
Despite the looming appeal, Rabbi Herzfeld remains resolute. He stated his commitment to collecting every cent from the activists and condemned their lawsuit as an exploitation of the judicial system.
Reflections on the Encounter
Rabbi Herzfeld’s experience has only strengthened his resolve. He underscored that he had no prior knowledge of the activists before their initial interaction at the embassy and emphasized that their actions were a strategy to paint themselves as victims after launching aggressive attacks against him.
He drew a parallel to the behavior of Hamas terrorists and reiterated his intention to continue advocating for the hostages in Gaza. In the rabbi’s words, “This legal battle does not deter my spirit in speaking up for those who remain captured. My mission remains unchanged.”
As of now, there has been no response from Barmada and Rokhvand regarding Rabbi Herzfeld’s statements or the recent court ruling.
