New York Attorney General Letitia James announced a settlement that shuts down violent and threatening activity tied to Betar US, a New York-based group her office labeled extremist. The agreement follows a months-long investigation that found Betar engaged in bias-motivated assaults, harassment, and intimidation.
James said the group repeatedly targeted Muslim, Arab, Palestinian, and Jewish New Yorkers because of their religion, national origin, or political views, violating state civil rights laws.
Investigation details pattern of abuse
The attorney general’s office opened its investigation in March 2025 after receiving complaints tied to protests related to Israel and Palestine. Investigators found Betar members used threats, slurs, and physical intimidation to silence protesters and academics.
According to the findings, Betar leaders and members circulated posts celebrating violence, mocked civilian deaths, and used demeaning language toward Muslims, Arabs, and Palestinians. The investigation also found the group targeted Jewish New Yorkers who expressed opposing views, threatening to place them on lists meant to intimidate or restrict travel.
Threats, assaults, and intimidation tactics
The investigation documented multiple physical encounters. Betar-affiliated individuals allegedly followed people perceived to be Muslim or pro-Palestinian and attempted to force electronic “beepers” onto them as a form of intimidation. In one case, a Betar member shoved a beeper into a Jewish academic’s pocket and verbally abused him.
Investigators also found the group encouraged supporters to bring weapons, including knives, pepper spray, and attack dogs, to protests. Violence later broke out at a Brooklyn protest after such calls, and Betar members celebrated the injuries online.
Terms of the settlement
Under the settlement, Betar must immediately stop encouraging or engaging in violence, threatening protesters, or harassing people exercising their civil rights. The group agreed to a suspended $50,000 penalty that will take effect if it violates the agreement.
Betar also indicated it is dissolving its nonprofit and winding down operations in New York. The group must submit annual compliance reports to the attorney general’s office for three years.
“This behavior is unacceptable, and it is not who we are as New Yorkers,” James said. “My office will continue to use every tool available to protect all New Yorkers’ civil rights and public safety.”
State officials say the settlement sends a clear message that intimidation and bias-driven violence will not be tolerated in New York. The agreement gives the attorney general broad authority to act quickly if Betar resumes prohibited conduct.
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