A 20-year-old man accused of orchestrating antisemitic protests and violent attacks on Jewish individuals in New York has been linked to Hamas’ militant wing, according to federal authorities quoted by the New York Post.
Tarek Bazrouk, who is currently awaiting trial on hate crime charges, is alleged to have maintained direct communication with Hamas leadership, including receiving updates from Abu Obeida, the official spokesperson for the al-Qassam Brigades.
Federal documents reveal that Bazrouk was “a member of a chat group that received regular updates from Abu Obeida,” marking the first two direct connections between a protester and Hamas’ militant apparatus during campus protests. Court filings further state that Bazrouk frequently wore a green headband associated with Hamas and boasted about relatives overseas who were affiliated with the group.
Prosecutors allege that Bazrouk expressed violent intent during protests at Columbia University in April 2024, including a text where he claimed to have lit a flare and considered setting someone on fire but refrained due to the crowd. The incident coincided with a wave of protests at the university, which drew police intervention and accusations that outside agitators incited chaos.
Columbia University denied any affiliation with Bazrouk, confirming that he was not a student despite having been present on campus during pro-terror demonstrations. The NYPD commissioner described the protests as orchestrated by “professional outside agitators,” some of whom illegally occupied university buildings during the unrest.
Bazrouk’s social media history was “littered” with pro-Hamas and anti-Israel propaganda, prosecutors said. Federal investigators found images of Hamas terrorist chief Yahya Sinwar and other Hamas symbols on his cellphone. Text messages further revealed racist and violent language, with Bazrouk calling Jews “worthless” and expressing delight over his relatives’ direct involvement with Hamas.
In addition to his social media activity, Bazrouk traveled to the Palestinian Authority and Jordan for approximately three weeks, raising questions about his activities there.
Prosecutors have kept details of his activities abroad under wraps as they build their case.
His violence extended beyond protests: Bazrouk is accused of attacking multiple Jewish victims, including 22-year-old Columbia student Jonathan Lederer, whom he allegedly struck during a protest in December 2024. He also allegedly punched a Jewish protester with an Israeli flag near Union Square in January 2025 while wearing a keffiyeh.
Bazrouk has a history of violent incidents that culminated in his arrest in May 2024, when authorities found weapons and $750,000 in cash at his home. He faces federal charges of three hate crimes, each carrying up to ten years in prison, with bail denied due to threats to community safety and flight risk.
Despite his claims of innocence, federal prosecutors emphasize Bazrouk’s support for terrorist organizations and his history of threats and violence. His defense attorney, Andrew Dalack, dismissed connections to Hamas but declined further comment.
