Betar Extremists Shut Down After Bias-Fueled Attacks

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James delivered a blow to homegrown extremism today, securing a settlement that effectively shuts down Betar US, a group found to be orchestrating a campaign of violence, harassment, and intimidation against New Yorkers based on their religion and national origin. The investigation, launched in March 2025, revealed a pattern of bias-motivated assaults and threats targeting Muslim, Arab, Palestinian, and Jewish individuals, particularly during protests surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict.

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) investigation exposed Betar’s deliberate targeting of protected groups, fueled by what James termed “alarming and illegal” animus. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has already labeled Betar an “extremist group,” citing its “embrace of Islamophobia and harass[ment] of Muslims.” Evidence gathered by the OAG showed Betar actively sought to disrupt pro-Palestinian protests and encouraged its supporters to engage in aggressive and threatening behavior.

The details are chilling. Investigators uncovered numerous public and private statements from Betar leadership and members spewing anti-Palestinian, anti-Arab, and anti-Muslim rhetoric. Members routinely used slurs and demeaning language, referring to traditional Palestinian keffiyehs as “rape rags” and claiming Muslims “hate America.” The group didn’t stop at words – they publicly circulated content celebrating violence against Palestinians, even mocking civilian deaths and calling for more bloodshed. In one particularly disturbing instance, Betar posted that the number of babies killed in Gaza was “not enough,” demanding “blood in Gaza.”

But the hate didn’t stop at one group. The OAG also found Betar targeted Jewish individuals who voiced dissenting opinions. The organization threatened to place Jewish activists on lists to be shared with foreign authorities, a blatant attempt to bar them from travel and intimidate them into silence. Internal communications revealed a chilling acceptance of this practice, with Betar leadership confirming they targeted Jewish New Yorkers they deemed insufficiently aligned with their views. “of course we place Jews on lists,” one leader wrote.

Under the settlement, Betar is legally obligated to cease all instigation of violence, threats against protesters, and harassment of individuals exercising their civil rights. A suspended $50,000 penalty hangs over the organization, ready to be enforced should Betar violate the agreement. Notably, Betar is actively seeking to dissolve its not-for-profit corporation and has informed the OAG it is winding down operations in New York. Despite soliciting donations through its website and social media, Betar never bothered to register with the OAG’s Charities Bureau, a clear sign of disregard for the law.

“New York will not tolerate organizations that use fear, violence, and intimidation to silence free expression or target people because of who they are,” Attorney General James declared. “This behavior is unacceptable, and it is not who we are as New Yorkers. My office will continue to use every tool available to protect all New Yorkers’ civil rights and public safety.” The case serves as a stark reminder that extremism thrives in the shadows and requires relentless investigation and prosecution to protect vulnerable communities.

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