Anti-Israel Activist Sentenced 17 Months for Federal Hate Crimes in NYC Protest Assaults

Tarek Bazrouk, a 20-year-old self-professed "Jew hater" and anti-Israel activist, was sentenced to 17 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to federal hate crime charges for assaulting Jewish protesters at multiple demonstrations in Manhattan. During his sentencing hearing, Bazrouk apologized to his victims and family, expressing remorse and acknowledging there was "no excuse" for his behavior, but at least one victim doubted the sincerity of his apology. U.S. District Judge Richard Berman emphasized that assaults motivated by actual or perceived Jewish identity, especially when victims are exercising their First Amendment rights, will likely result in imprisonment, and underscored that the legal consequences apply universally. The government had sought a 36-month sentence, arguing the case warranted a serious punishment both for accountability and deterrence. Victims described Bazrouk's attacks as part of a "vicious campaign against Jews" and stressed the assaults were motivated by their Jewish identity rather than the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. The judge read victims' letters calling for a strong message against hate and violence, reinforcing the court's stance against such crimes in the city.