NEW YORK, NY – A Manhattan man who repeatedly assaulted Jewish New Yorkers at protests over the Israel-Hamas war has been sentenced to 17 months in federal prison.
Tarek Bazrouk, 20, received the sentence Monday from U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman after pleading guilty to hate crime charges.
Federal prosecutors said Bazrouk targeted victims based on their religion and national origin during three separate assaults between April 2024 and January 2025.
Key Points
- Tarek Bazrouk sentenced to 17 months for hate crimes against Jewish victims
- Assaults occurred during Israel-Hamas war protests across New York City
- Evidence showed pro-Hamas propaganda and anti-Semitic messages on his phone
Attacks spanned nine months across Manhattan
According to court records, Bazrouk’s first attack happened April 15, 2024, during a protest outside the New York Stock Exchange. Wearing a green headband associated with Hamas, he lunged at a group of pro-Israel demonstrators and later kicked a Jewish college student in the stomach as police escorted him away.
Eight months later, on December 9, 2024, Bazrouk struck another Jewish student near Columbia University. Prosecutors said he stole an Israeli flag, fled through a crowd, and then punched the victim in the face when confronted.
The third assault occurred January 6, 2025, near First Avenue and East 18th Street. Bazrouk, his face covered by a keffiyeh, tripped and punched a Jewish protester who was wearing an Israeli flag and Star of David chain.
Hate-filled messages revealed Bazrouk’s motive
Investigators uncovered messages from Bazrouk’s phones describing Jews as “worthless” and expressing admiration for Hamas and Hizballah. Prosecutors said he called himself a “Jew hater” and celebrated relatives’ ties to Hamas. His devices also contained videos and images glorifying violence against Jews.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said Bazrouk’s actions showed “a clear pattern of hate-based violence” and vowed to continue prosecuting crimes targeting people for their faith. FBI Assistant Director Christopher G. Raia said the sentence underscores the Bureau’s commitment to protecting New Yorkers’ rights to protest safely.
Authorities condemn antisemitic violence
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Bazrouk’s actions “attacked every Jewish New Yorker who should be able to practice their religion freely and without fear.” She credited the coordinated work of city and federal investigators in securing the conviction.
In addition to his prison term, Bazrouk will serve three years of supervised release. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sam Adelsberg and Jim Ligtenberg of the Civil Rights and Human Trafficking Unit.