A man arrested for a string of anti-Jewish assaults during pro-Palestinian protests in New York has been linked by federal authorities to Hamas’ al-Qassam Brigades, according to court documents and Department of Justice filings, as reported by The New York Post.
Tarek Bazrouk, 20, a U.S. citizen from New York, is awaiting trial on three federal hate crime charges tied to attacks on Jewish individuals.
MEET TAREK BAZROUK
The FEDS allege he:
Proudly calls himself a “JEW HATER”.
LOVES Hamas.
Sucker-punched Jews in the face.
Kicked Jews in the stomach.
Stole Israeli flags from Jewish students at Columbia.But guess what, Tarek?
Your days of playing jihadi tough guy… pic.twitter.com/iiFoWMYn9K
— Jews Fight Back (@JewsFightBack) May 8, 2025
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Prosecutors allege that Bazrouk was part of a chat group receiving direct updates from Abu Obeida, the spokesperson for Hamas’ al-Qassam Brigades.
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This marks the first instance where federal authorities have identified a protester on an American university campus with a documented link to the terror organization.
Bazrouk was not enrolled at Columbia University but was frequently present during campus protests in 2024. While there, he allegedly wore Hamas insignia and told others that he had relatives involved with the terror group.
Prosecutors say his cellphone contained propaganda supporting Hamas and Hezbollah, images of slain terrorist Yahya Sinwar, Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida, and memes glorifying al-Qassam fighters.
In April 2024, Bazrouk allegedly lit a flare at a protest on Columbia’s campus and texted a friend that he contemplated lighting a person on fire but refrained due to the crowd size.
On April 15, 2024, outside the New York Stock Exchange, Bazrouk allegedly attacked three individuals carrying Israeli flags. He was arrested at the scene after allegedly kicking a Jewish college student in the stomach while being detained.
Subsequent incidents include an alleged Dec. 9 assault on Columbia student Jonathan Lederer, during which Bazrouk is accused of punching Lederer in the face while referencing Hitler.
Breaking| Tarek Bazrouk, 20, was arrested for allegedly assaulting multiple Jewish victims across NYC between April 2024 and January 2025. He targeted people displaying Israeli flags or Jewish symbols.
Federal prosecutors say his phone contained antisemitic messages, support for… pic.twitter.com/bZMZTB5F3L
— Dr. Fundji Benedict (@Fundji3) May 12, 2025
On Jan. 6, 2025, Bazrouk allegedly assaulted another person wearing an Israeli flag near Union Square.
According to prosecutors, Bazrouk was previously arrested on New Year’s Eve 2023 for trespassing near Columbia. His home was later searched in May 2025, resulting in the discovery of weapons, including four knives, brass knuckles, a switchblade, and a replica firearm.
Investigators also found $750,000 in cash and evidence tying him to a Connecticut smoke shop, where he was arrested in December 2024 for allegedly operating a drug factory.
TRACKED! Tarek Bazrouk! As we gathered more information, it gets even worse… https://t.co/BOu1A91rPV https://t.co/MYoYEscYhG
— Activist Tracker (@Activist_Trackr) December 17, 2024
Federal prosecutors are opposing bail, citing Bazrouk’s violent history, ties to terrorist organizations, access to weapons, and statements expressing hatred toward Jews. Bazrouk has been jailed since May 7, 2025. If convicted, he faces up to 30 years in federal prison.
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