Full Breakdown
Hind Rajab Foundation Files War Crimes Complaint Against Israeli Soldier in Czech Republic
11/16/2025, 9:54:56 PM
Legal Action Against Noam Tsuriely
The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) has filed a criminal complaint with the Czech Republic’s Supreme Public Prosecutor’s Office against Israeli reservist and rapper Noam Tsuriely, accusing him of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and acts of genocide committed during Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. The complaint was submitted by attorney Jan Täubel and is based on an HRF investigative report detailing Tsuriely’s involvement in the destruction of civilian structures and his public glorification of these acts through music. Tsuriely was in the Czech Republic following a performance in Prague on November 13, 2025.
Allegations of War Crimes
According to HRF, Tsuriely served with the 699th Paratroopers Battalion of the 551st “Fire Arrows” Brigade during the ground invasion of Gaza on October 27–28, 2023. The Foundation claims that Tsuriely participated in a controlled demolition operation in Beit Hanoun on November 8, 2023, which involved the destruction of a civilian building located near a United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) school. HRF asserts that such demolitions require full area control and are incompatible with claims of military necessity, thereby constituting a war crime under both the Rome Statute and Czech law.
HRF's findings indicate that by January 2025, 70% of Gaza’s structures, 92% of homes, and 80% of commercial facilities had been destroyed, linking Tsuriely’s actions to the broader context of genocidal destruction in Gaza. Natacha Bracq, HRF’s Head of Litigation, emphasized that the destruction of civilian infrastructure is a defining component of genocide, stating, “Noam Tsuriely took part in that destruction. He helped erase entire neighborhoods, and then he turned that devastation into entertainment.”
Calls for Accountability
The HRF's complaint invokes Czech universal jurisdiction, allowing prosecution for grave crimes regardless of where they were committed. The Foundation urges Czech authorities to open criminal proceedings, seize Tsuriely’s electronic devices, impose a travel ban, and investigate possible incitement of war crimes during his performances. Dyab Abou Jahjah, HRF's General Director, remarked, “You cannot commit war crimes in Gaza and then tour Europe as an artist as if nothing happened.”
Broader Implications
This legal action is part of HRF’s ongoing efforts to hold accountable those involved in alleged atrocities during the Israeli military operations in Gaza. The Foundation, named after five-year-old Hind Rajab—who was killed along with six relatives in an Israeli attack—aims to ensure that the stories of victims are not forgotten and that perpetrators cannot find refuge in Europe. HRF continues to document and pursue accountability for all individuals, including artists and military personnel, implicated in these actions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Noam Tsuriely took part in that destruction. He helped erase entire neighborhoods, and then he turned that devastation into entertainment.” — Natacha Bracq, HRF’s Head of Litigation
- “You cannot commit war crimes in Gaza and then tour Europe as an artist as if nothing happened,” — Dyab Abou Jahjah, HRF's General Director
Conclusion
The Hind Rajab Foundation's complaint against Noam Tsuriely underscores the complexities of accountability for war crimes and the role of public figures in perpetuating narratives surrounding conflict. As the Foundation continues its legal campaign, it highlights the necessity for international mechanisms to address and prosecute such allegations, ensuring that Europe does not become a sanctuary for those accused of grave violations of human rights.
