Nerdeen Kiswani Files Lawsuit Against Betar USA for Civil Rights Violations

Nerdeen Kiswani, founder of the pro-Palestinian group Within Our Lifetime, has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the right-wing Zionist organization Betar USA. The lawsuit, submitted in the Southern District of New York, alleges that Betar USA engaged in a campaign of harassment and intimidation against her, including offering cash rewards for actions intended to harm her. Kiswani claims that these actions violate the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871, which prohibits conspiracies against ethnic minorities.

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Kiswani's lawsuit details a series of alleged threats and harassment orchestrated by Betar USA, including social media posts offering bounties for handing her a beeper, a reference to Israel's military tactics against Hezbollah. Her attorneys assert that Betar's actions constitute a coordinated effort to intimidate her based on her Palestinian identity. The lawsuit names several individuals associated with Betar, including founder Ronn Torossian and former executive director Ross Glick, accusing them of conspiring to violate her civil rights.

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The lawsuit follows a settlement in which Betar USA agreed to cease operations in New York after an investigation by Attorney General Letitia James found the group had engaged in harassment against various communities, including Arab, Muslim, and Jewish New Yorkers. Kiswani's activism has drawn significant attention and controversy, leading to clashes with pro-Israel groups and individuals, including remarks from far-right Congressman Randy Fine.

Times of Israel

In response to the lawsuit, Betar USA has labeled Kiswani a "terror supporter" and characterized the legal action as an attack on Zionism. The group insists that its activities are aligned with mainstream Zionist principles and has expressed a willingness to defend itself vigorously in court. Betar's spokesperson, Jonathan Levy, stated that the lawsuit is unfounded and reflects a broader effort to undermine Zionism.

Times of Israel

Critics of Betar USA, including Kiswani's legal team, argue that the group's actions go beyond protected speech and constitute a dangerous fixation on her as a public figure. They contend that the lawsuit aims not only to seek justice for Kiswani but also to send a message about the consequences of hate-driven activism.

The Jerusalem Post

While Kiswani's lawsuit presents a detailed account of alleged harassment, Betar USA denies all wrongdoing and claims that it has ceased operations in New York without admitting guilt. The discrepancy between Kiswani's allegations and Betar's defense highlights the polarized views surrounding the ongoing conflict between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel activists.

The Jerusalem Post

• “Last month, the NY AG found they engaged in bias-motivated harassment and threats. Still, they faced no real consequences. So I’m filing a lawsuit.” — Nerdeen Kiswani, Activist

Times of Israel

• “represents a serious danger to American and diaspora Jewry.” — Jonathan Levy, Betar USA Spokesperson

Times of Israel

• “Betar has exhibited a dangerous fixation on Ms Kiswani that goes far beyond protected speech,” — Christopher Godshall-Bennett, Attorney for Kiswani

Middle East Eye

Kiswani is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, as well as a judicial declaration that Betar violated the Ku Klux Klan Enforcement Act. The case is expected to draw significant attention as it unfolds, potentially impacting the discourse surrounding civil rights and activism in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Jerusalem Post