An anti-Israel protester got a slap on the wrist for allegedly barging onto a packed Manhattan subway train last summer and demanding “Zionists” identify themselves — a legal outcome that left Jewish advocacy groups outraged.
Anas Saleh, 24, will have his disorderly conduct charge tossed if he completes four hours of community service at a Jewish organization and attends an anti-bias course for his alleged threatening behavior, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office confirmed Wednesday.
anti-Israel protests in 2024.
Saleh was also initially facing coercion and attempted coercion charges, but those have already been dropped because of “facial insufficiency,” a Manhattan DA spokesperson said.
Prosecutors agreed with providing Saleh the opportunity to rid himself of the final charge after speaking with the complaining witness and “considering the defendant’s lack of a criminal history,” the spokesperson said.
The DA’s office also noted that Saleh completed “a program mandated by his employer.”
Liora Rez, the founder of the StopAntisemitism advocacy group, slammed the court’s decision.
“A mere four hours of community service and an anti-bias course for blatant antisemitic harassment? This is not justice — it’s a disgrace,” Rez told The Post in a statement.
“Anas Saleh’s threats against fellow passengers on the NYC subway warranted real consequences, yet he walks away with a slap on the wrist. This weak response sends a dangerous message: antisemitism is tolerated,” Rex wrote, adding, “We demand accountability, not appeasement.”
Saleh, of Staten Island, allegedly screamed, “Raise your hand if you’re a Zionist. This is your chance to get out,” after boarding a subway car at Union Square station on June 10.
Protests at Union Square on that hectic night included banners reading “Long Live October 7” and rabid anti-Israel demonstrators yelling things pro-Hitler sentiments.
The hate-fueled incident upset not only activists but also Mayor Eric Adams.
“Threatening New Yorkers based on their beliefs is not only vile, it’s illegal and will not be tolerated. Let this be a lesson to all those who think they can act illegally and then hide: The NYPD will find you and charge you in accordance with the law,” Adams said at the time.
Saleh was initially facing up to a year in prison if convicted on the coercion charge.
Saleh will be performing his community service at the Congregation Beit Simchat Torah, a pro-gay Jewish organization.
