An anti-Israel protester who allegedly made threatening demands for “Zionists” identify themselves aboard a Manhattan train over the summer had coercion charges against him dropped on Tuesday.
Anas Saleh appeared in a Lower Manhattan court Tuesday where a judge dismissed the charges of coercion and attempted coercion, citing facial insufficiency. However, he is expected to stand trial for disorderly conduct.
Saleh is accused of attempting to intimidate riders aboard a southbound 5 train on June 10 while at the Union Square Station in an attempt to force them off the car.
“Raise your hands if you’re a Zionist, repeat after me, this is your chance to get out,” Saleh allegedly told a packed train car in an incident caught on camera.
The incident sent shockwaves through the Jewish community, leaving them fearing for their safety amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s office expressed dismay over the judge’s decision Tuesday to dismiss the coercion charges.
“Manhattan must be a safe and welcoming space for the Jewish community, and this alleged conduct contributed to the climate of fear that many Jewish New Yorkers currently feel on a daily basis. We are disappointed with this decision and reviewing our legal options. We take a comprehensive approach to keeping everyone safe, regardless of their background or beliefs, that pairs prosecution with community outreach and support for victims,” a spokesperson for the Manhatten D.A.’s office said.
The event left some so concerned, some Jewish New Yorkers even looked to attend the hearing.
Glenn Richter says he started a volunteer community group to keep a dogged watch on antisemitic crimes, an association that he says has grown to about 100 members between several mailing lists. While Richter said he is dismayed that two of the cases were dismissed, he added that he is happy that Saleh will still face trial and thanked Manhattan D.A Alvin Bragg for bringing the charges against him.
“I am happy that at least there’ll be a trial. I think that in a city such as New York, which is so diverse and in which we all need to have tolerance for each other, that it’s utterly outrageous that somebody could yell such a thing,” Richter told amNewYork Metro. “I hope that the judge will have a favorable judgment towards Mr. Saleh.”
Saleh is next expected to be in court on Jan. 7, 2025.
