New York Attorney General Letitia James announced a settlement with the pro-Israel group Betar US that will lead to the cessation of its activities in the state. This decision comes after an investigation revealed that the group engaged in systematic harassment of pro-Palestinian activists. James highlighted that the investigation uncovered a pattern of “widespread persecution” targeting Muslim, Arab, Palestinian, and Jewish New Yorkers.
In her statement on March 5, 2024, James emphasized that New York does not tolerate organizations that use intimidation or violence to suppress free expression. She stated, “My office’s investigation uncovered an alarming and illegal pattern of bias-motivated harassment and violence designed to terrorize communities and shut down lawful protest.” The settlement requires Betar US to dissolve its not-for-profit corporation and cease its acts of harassment.
Details of the Settlement and Reaction
The Attorney General’s office indicated that Betar US would face a suspended penalty of $50,000 if it violates the terms of the settlement. Betar US has reportedly begun winding down its operations in New York and has committed to stopping its harassment of individuals exercising their constitutional rights.
Following the announcement, Betar US reacted to a statement by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who criticized the group for promoting hatred in the city. In a now-deleted social media post, Betar referred to Mamdani as “Jihad Mamdani” and linked to a website portraying him as “an enemy to the West and Zionism.”
Advocates for human rights welcomed the settlement. Raed Jarrar, advocacy director at the group DAWN, remarked that the blatant actions of pro-Israel groups necessitate government intervention. Jarrar indicated a hope that other states and federal authorities would take similar actions against groups that engage in such behavior.
History of Controversies Involving Betar US
Betar US has gained notoriety for its aggressive tactics against pro-Palestinian activists. The group has previously claimed to have submitted lists of pro-Palestine foreign students to the Trump administration, suggesting potential deportation due to their activism. It has employed facial recognition technology and other databases to track individuals participating in protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
An official from the Department of Homeland Security testified that information provided by Betar US, along with data from the pro-Israel group Canary Mission, was used to target activists. This targeting has led to arrests and detention of numerous foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian activism, with cases such as that of Turkish graduate student Rumeysa Ozturk, who faced imprisonment for advocating divestment from companies linked to Palestinian rights abuses.
Yousef Munayyer, a senior fellow at the Arab Center Washington DC, characterized Betar US as among various organizations acting as “attack dogs” against those who advocate for Palestine. He noted that Betar US distinguished itself through its aggressive and combative approach, often resorting to extreme language and direct confrontations.
The group’s ideology draws inspiration from historical figures such as Meir Kahane and Ze’ev Jabotinsky, with Betar claiming a lineage to the militant Zionism espoused by Jabotinsky. In a social media post, Betar stated, “Betar is mainstream Zionism,” while denying all allegations of wrongdoing.
As Betar US begins to dissolve its operations, the implications of this settlement may extend beyond New York, potentially influencing similar actions in other jurisdictions against organizations that engage in harassment and intimidation based on political beliefs.
