Tarek Bazrouk, a 20-year-old who assaulted three Jewish individuals during protests in Manhattan related to Gaza, pled guilty to hate crimes. Despite admitting to the violence in court, his apology was directed solely at the Palestinian community, highlighting a lack of accountability for his actions against Jews. His assaults included violent attacks on individuals displaying Jewish symbols, including kicking and punching victims. Bazrouk, described as an agitator with no formal ties to Columbia University, made threats via text messages about targeting Jewish individuals, suggesting a persistent pattern of antisemitism.
"I am sorry. I am Palestinian and I participated in the protest to display my outrage... I should not have used violence. I hope my family and community can forgive me."
"The hollow apology stands in stark contrast to the fervor Bazrouk embodied while committing the targeted attacks against Jewish people during protests at Columbia University and in downtown Manhattan."
"Bazrouk has no affiliation with Columbia, but was an outside agitator who joined the campus protests. The university said it has no record of him ever being on campus."
"The confessed antisemite punched yet another Israeli flag-bearer in the face at a protest earlier this year on January 6, according to court testimony."
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