NEW YORK — A pro-Israel advocacy organization operating in New York has been ordered to cease operations after a state investigation concluded the group engaged in violent conduct, harassment, and intimidation targeting protesters and civilians, state officials announced.
The group, Betar US, describes itself as part of a right-wing Zionist youth movement founded in 1923 and based in Israel. It drew national attention last year after publishing online lists identifying campus protesters who opposed Israel’s war in Gaza and urging the Trump administration to deport individuals named on what the group labeled a “Students Deport List.”
According to investigators, Betar US also shared now-deleted social media posts mocking civilian deaths in Gaza. One post responding to reports of the killing of hundreds of Palestinian babies reportedly stated, “Not enough. We demand blood in Gaza.”
Findings of the Investigation
The New York Attorney General’s Office said its probe uncovered evidence that Betar US engaged in widespread persecution and harassment of Muslim, Arab, Palestinian, and Jewish New Yorkers, driven by hostility toward multiple protected groups. Investigators concluded the conduct violated New York State civil rights laws.
“New York will not tolerate organizations that use fear, violence, and intimidation to silence free expression or target people because of who they are,” said Attorney General Letitia James in a statement.
The investigation was launched in March after the state received multiple complaints alleging Betar members engaged in violent and threatening behavior at protests related to Israel and Palestine. Complaints described incidents of harassment and intimidation aimed at pro-Palestinian demonstrators and others exercising their right to free speech.
Settlement and Penalties
Under a settlement agreement with New York authorities, Betar US must immediately cease instigating or encouraging violence, threatening protesters, and harassing individuals engaged in lawful civil rights activity. The group also faces a suspended $50,000 penalty that will be enforced if it violates the terms of the agreement.
State officials said the settlement effectively shuts down the group’s activities within New York.
Political Response
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani welcomed the outcome, writing on social media platform X that Betar had “sowed a campaign of hatred across New York,” trafficking in Islamophobic extremism and targeting those with whom it disagreed.
The case comes amid heightened tensions nationwide over protests related to Israel and Gaza, with civil liberties groups warning about efforts to intimidate or punish political expression. New York officials said the action against Betar US sends a clear message that advocacy — regardless of political viewpoint — does not excuse violence or harassment.
As of the announcement, Betar US had not publicly responded to the findings or the settlement.
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