Jewish man viciously assaulted in NYC hate crime, retains Lawfare Project

The Lawfare Project represented Matt Greenman, a young Jewish man who was violently attacked by participants in a hate-filled protest in New York City that sought to “globalize the intifada” and urged resistance “by any means necessary.” Greenman was targeted merely for being a Jewish observer.

The NYPD Hate Crime Unit investigated the attack, which was captured on video; Greenman, who was holding an Israeli flag, was thrown to the ground, punched, and kicked in the face. At the time of the attack, he was walking with crutches due to a sprained foot. He was taken to the emergency room with injuries to his face and head, as well as his arm, knees, and neck, and was diagnosed with a concussion and a possible fracture above the eye, which was swollen from the assault.

Despite the Manhattan District Attorney’s failure to pursue the case, The Lawfare Project remained staunchly committed to securing justice for Greenman. LP focused its advocacy efforts on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), pressing for prosecution under federal hate crimes laws. As a result of LP’s efforts, the DOJ charged the attacker, Saadah Masoud, with a hate crime and later added conspiracy charges related to Greenman’s assault and two other attacks. Masoud pled guilty and was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison — a significant victory in the fight against antisemitic violence.