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Tuesday, June 23, 2026
NY man imprisoned for attacking Jews is released early, supporters say
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleLuke Tress is The Times of Israel's New York correspondent.
A prominent anti-Israel activist in New York City who was imprisoned for assaulting Jews is released from prison early, his supporters say.
Tarek Bazrouk pleaded guilty to antisemitic hate crimes in federal court last year.
He physically assaulted Jews during anti-Israel protests in at least three incidents.
After his arrest, Bazrouk became a cause célèbre in the anti-Zionist movement.
More than 12,000 people signed a letter supporting him during his trial, hundreds showed up to his court hearings, and supporters have donated more than $11,000 to his prison commissary.
Leading anti-Zionist groups, such as National Students for Justice in Palestine and Within Our Lifetime, have publicly supported him.
A group of his backers says he was released from prison this morning, after 13 months of incarceration.
He is released a month early because he completed an early release program while incarcerated, the statement says.
The group, called Free Tarek Bazrouk, urges followers to continue donating to him during his three-year probation.
“Tarek has taught us all that struggle, sacrifice, solidarity and unity is our collective duty,” the group says.
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